Second-Generation Judicial Reform Blueprint Set to Launch: The 2007 Fundraising Dinner Concludes Successfully

The Judicial Reform Foundation held its 12th anniversary fundraising dinner on September 8, 2007, at the Banquet Hall of the National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center, gathering friends concerned about judicial reform to encourage one another.

The annual JRF fundraising dinner came notably early in 2007. Beyond financial needs, as the JRF planned to launch a series of social movements starting in October, building up momentum early for 2008 was an urgent priority.

The theme of the 2007 fundraising dinner was "Invest in Judicial Reform!" The core appeal was that while the quality of the current judicial environment has somewhat improved, the public still finds realizing expected justice during their encounters with the judicial system to be an immensely difficult undertaking. Therefore, judicial reform continues to require the ongoing dedication of those with passion and conviction. Although the fruits of reform may not be immediate, they can be seen as an investment in our descendants, with the earnest hope that the next generation will grow up in a trustworthy judicial environment.

Mindful of the pain and helplessness many petitioners face when confronting systemic judicial ills, the JRF specially produced a brief 12-minute documentary faithfully presenting the true stories of four ordinary citizens. Titled "Justice, Why Are You Always Late?", it embodies the deep-seated cries of these ordinary citizens. Although short, the documentary captured the attention of the attending guests. In the film, JRF Executive Director Attorney Lin Feng-cheng also put forward the goal of "Second-Generation Judicial Reform" through interviews, expressing hope that future judicial reforms would attract new blood (please refer to page 5 of this magazine for the article "Youth, Create Your Own Era!").

Next, six children took the stage to drop donations into the donation box, symbolizing an "investment" in their own future. JRF Chairperson Attorney Huang Jui-ming appeared on stage with the children, re-emphasizing the importance of investing in judicial reform. Thanks to the staunch support of numerous artists, the preparation for this fundraising dinner featured a rich array of artwork, including paintings and bronze sculptures by renowned artists such as Yang Hsing-sheng, Wang Hsiu-chi, and Hung Jui-lin. Due to their high artistic value, they sparked a bidding frenzy, with all auction items successfully sold under the auctioneer's direction.

One of the characteristics of the JRF fundraising dinner is the auction of project proposals. Projects promoted by the JRF in 2007 included: "First Police Interrogation Attorney Companionship," "Court Observation," "Second-Generation Judicial Reform Blueprint," and "JRF Takes You Up Snow Mountain," which likewise attracted many judicial reform supporters to generously donate on stage. In addition, the JRF secretariat thoughtfully collected a rich array of images spanning the tenure of recently stepped-down Chairperson Attorney Ch'en Ch'uan-yüeh, which were played during the dinner, making for a warm and touching scene. A Broadway-standard tap dance performance was also prepared for the fundraising dinner, whose exquisite steps and practiced skills won widespread applause from the guests.

Finally, Chairperson Attorney Huang Jui-ming led all executive board members onto the stage to thank the guests, looking forward to reaching new heights in the "Second-Generation Judicial Reform" efforts in the coming year and anticipating the next gathering. The 2007 fundraising dinner raised a total of NT$9,842,500. For financial auditing of related income and expenditures, please refer to the tables on pages 77 and 78 of this magazine. Detailed content regarding future fundraising will be made public on the JRF website for auditing inquiries.

※ Image Source: 20070908 JRF Fundraising Dinner—Invest in Judicial Reform!