| Kinijit Minnesota Support Group for Democracy & Development Association |
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Kinijit Minnesota Support Group had a successful welcome ceremony and Fund-
raising Dinner
October 21, 2007
An estimated 250 Ethiopians filled up the Baggage Claim area of Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on Friday
afternoon as they were waiting the arrival of the CUD leaders. Some Americans, who never saw such a huge crowd at
such a spot, asked what was going on. They were amazed by the unprecedented festive atmosphere among the gentle
Ethiopians.
The crowd suddenly burst into a roar of cheers, singing and dancing as they saw Judge Bertukan Mideqsa, Engineer
Gizachew Shiferaw and Dr. Berhanu Nega walking toward them, escorted by two executives of the Minnesota chapter of
CUD Support Group. The three heroic leaders warmly greeted the enthusiastic crowd. Then they were taken to the
awaiting limousine, accompanied by the singing and dancing crowd.
That evening, some 50 active Kinijit support members joined the three CUD leaders on a social event at the largest
Ethiopian restaurant in Minneapolis. People took turns to chat with each one of them for a few minutes.
On Saturday morning, the delegation met with former and current executives of the Minnesota chapter of CUD Support
Group. Dr. Solomon Gashaw, chairman of the chapter, presented a report on the activities of the local organization over
the last few years, beginning with the history of its founding. Then the delegation answered questions from the members
of the chapter.
Finally, the most important event of the Minnesota tour took place on Saturday evening at First Christian church near
Downtown Minneapolis. About 700 people attended the fundraising event. It was an impressive turnout for our city. The
CUD delegation answered a wide variety of questions asked by the Diaspora community in Minnesota. Equally
important, the audience was superbly entertained by delicious Ethiopian food as well as Comedian Abebe Belw who
played a great role in making the evening’s auction a success. About $25,000 was raised, including ticket sales and
auctions of a few items.
Finally, the event was wrapped up shortly after eleven o’clock, and many people took the opportunity to have pictures
taken with the CUD leaders.
raising Dinner
October 21, 2007
An estimated 250 Ethiopians filled up the Baggage Claim area of Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on Friday
afternoon as they were waiting the arrival of the CUD leaders. Some Americans, who never saw such a huge crowd at
such a spot, asked what was going on. They were amazed by the unprecedented festive atmosphere among the gentle
Ethiopians.
The crowd suddenly burst into a roar of cheers, singing and dancing as they saw Judge Bertukan Mideqsa, Engineer
Gizachew Shiferaw and Dr. Berhanu Nega walking toward them, escorted by two executives of the Minnesota chapter of
CUD Support Group. The three heroic leaders warmly greeted the enthusiastic crowd. Then they were taken to the
awaiting limousine, accompanied by the singing and dancing crowd.
That evening, some 50 active Kinijit support members joined the three CUD leaders on a social event at the largest
Ethiopian restaurant in Minneapolis. People took turns to chat with each one of them for a few minutes.
On Saturday morning, the delegation met with former and current executives of the Minnesota chapter of CUD Support
Group. Dr. Solomon Gashaw, chairman of the chapter, presented a report on the activities of the local organization over
the last few years, beginning with the history of its founding. Then the delegation answered questions from the members
of the chapter.
Finally, the most important event of the Minnesota tour took place on Saturday evening at First Christian church near
Downtown Minneapolis. About 700 people attended the fundraising event. It was an impressive turnout for our city. The
CUD delegation answered a wide variety of questions asked by the Diaspora community in Minnesota. Equally
important, the audience was superbly entertained by delicious Ethiopian food as well as Comedian Abebe Belw who
played a great role in making the evening’s auction a success. About $25,000 was raised, including ticket sales and
auctions of a few items.
Finally, the event was wrapped up shortly after eleven o’clock, and many people took the opportunity to have pictures
taken with the CUD leaders.