2014 Fundraising Banquet: Justice is the Wings of Democracy; Without Fair Justice, Democracy Cannot Fly

Taiwan's most beautiful scenery is its people, and the people living on this land deserve better things...

The young volunteers working at the Judicial Reform Foundation have all grown up in an era of voting. Elections are a form of democracy, but now we have begun to dismiss this idea as too superficial, yearning instead to "deepen democracy." Sometimes, "being too lazy to vote" is a pride we wear on our sleeves. After all, sharing the same Chinese-speaking society, Hong Kong is just beginning to take to the streets for basic voting rights.

It is hard to imagine a day when Taiwan cannot even hold elections to vote. I think many people would "fight to the death" against it! It would not just be taking to the streets; they would guard this most basic democracy with even greater ferocity. The democratic system is not perfect, but it truly allows our voices to be valued. Having tasted the flavor of democracy, we do not want to turn back, nor is it easy to turn back.

However, elections are only the absolute minimum. To let democracy take flight requires the wings of the rule of law, squeezing through toward the illuminated window to forge a path of rebirth. When the rule of law is failing, what is imprisoned is not merely the individual, but the entire country and society. At best, it allows people to feel the warmth of the sun, but it cannot fly out to true freedom.

Dear friends, this year we have experienced many wonderful moments and pains, successes and failures together. We have defended Taiwan's democracy together, and we look forward to your continued support in rescuing our judiciary. The year 2014 is destined to be a year that leaves a profound mark on Taiwan's history.

On Saturday noon, November 15, we cordially invite you to participate in the Judicial Reform Foundation's 2014 Fundraising Banquet to share this year's achievements with us. These achievements have not come easily, carrying the footsteps and sweat of many individuals along the way. You are warmly welcomed, and we eagerly look forward to your presence!

• Time: November 15, 2014
• Location: Tien-Shih Restaurant (Dazhi Flagship Branch), 1st Floor, Shih-Tsui Pavilion
• No. 8, Chihfu Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City
  • MRT Info: Wenhu Line, Jiannan Rd. Station, Exit 2 (approx. 3-minute walk)
  • Parking Info: Tien-Shih Flagship Branch B2 Free Parking Lot and nearby parking lots
• Meal Voucher Purchase: NT$2,500 / ticket, admission by ticket
• Art Charity Sale (Inquiries welcome by phone starting today)

Time	Content
11:30–12:30	Welcome Cocktail Reception and On-site Booth Introductions
12:15–12:30	Traditional Chinese Orchestra Performance (Chian-Gong Junior High School)
12:30–12:40	Host Announces Program Commencement and Slide Presentation
12:40–12:45	Chairperson's Remarks
12:45–13:40	Phase I Charity Items and Project Auction
	[Project Auction]: Lay Participation in Trials
	[Commemorating Teacher Yang Hsing-sheng: Teacher Tsai Wen-hsiung] Painting Auction: Early Spring Rice Seedlings (Yang Hsing-sheng)
	Photography Auction: Sphinx of the Pyramids (Ko Hsi-chieh)
	[Project Auction]: Judges and Prosecutors Evaluation
	Painting Auction: Radiant Yushan (Liu Yang-che)
13:40–13:55	Performance: Rural Armed Youth A-ta Guitar Performance & CD Charity Sale
13:55–14:30	Phase II Charity Items and Project Auction
	[Project Auction]: Wrongful Conviction Rescue
	Painting Auction: Pingxi Impression (Liu Cheng-hung)
	[How Citizens Practice Civil Disobedience: Documentary Director Ch'en Yu-ching] [Project Auction]: Pro Bono Lawyer Platform
	Painting Auction: Sunflower (Tsai Wen-hsiung)
14:30–15:00	Guests are welcome to visit and purchase projects or charity items at the booths. Event successfully concludes.