Details for the National Celebration in New York and Download Information for the National Broadcast — Joshua Cotter

We are looking forward to joining with our Blessed Families across the USA in celebrating our 30th Anniversary of the 8,000 Couples’ Blessing this Sunday, July 1st. We include some important information regarding our national broadcast of the New York gala program, and details for all those planning to attend the celebration at the Manhattan Center in New York City in person:

If you haven’t yet registered for the New York City gala and want to attend, register online immediately at http://www.familyfed.org/30. We are already at our capacity, and cannot guarantee that seats will be available on the day of the event. The registration fee for the gala is $50 per individual, $70 per couple, $80 per family with children under 10 years old, and $120 per family with children 10 years and older. Parents and children 10 years and older are welcome to attend the program in the Hammerstein Ballroom while child care, fun and games will be provided for children under 10 years old.

The dress code is business casual.

Commemorative Photograph at Madison Square Garden — Don’t Miss It!

All the celebrating couples from the 2,075 and 6,000 couple Blessings in 1982 and their families are welcome to participate in a commemorative photograph session in front of Madison Square Garden, three blocks from the Manhattan Center, on July 1st immediately after Lovin’ Life worship service. Participants should be at the Marquis Entrance to MSG on 7th Avenue and 32nd Street by 12:15 PM sharp. We will take 15-20 minutes for this historic photo shoot, so don’t be late!

Program for the National Celebration in New York

10:00 AM - Lovin’ Life Worship Service Hammerstein Ballroom, Manhattan Center

12:00 PM - Lunch Available for purchase in the Life Lounge and area restaurants

12:15 PM - Historic Photo of 8000 Couples and their Families Gather at 7th Avenue & 32nd Street, on the steps in front of MSG/Penn Station

1:00 PM - Ballroom Dance Practice Grand Ballroom, Manhattan Center- snacks and refreshments served

3:00 PM - Doors Open for Celebration Gala Hammerstein Ballroom; Celebrating Couples meet us on the Red Carpet!

3:30 PM - Celebration Gala Program Congratulatory Message, Testimonies, Music, Food, Dancing, Photo and Video Booths, and more…

Childcare available for children 10 and under.

7:00 PM - End of Program

The program will be broadcast nationally from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

A simple but beautiful explanation of the Blessing has been prepared for our friends and guests. The morning worship will be a wonderful opportunity to share the meaning of the Blessing, True Parents’ most precious gift for humankind. After the afternoon gala program, a delicious meal will be served and a wonderful time of fellowship among the 800 participants with ballroom dancing will begin.

Photo sessions and video interviews will be available for all in designated booths located in the ballroom.

A commemorative gift will be given to each 8,000 Blessing Couple attending the event and a historical DVD of the 2,075 Couples Blessing Ceremony and other items will be available for purchase.

Let us express our deepest gratitude to God and True Parents, and celebrate this historic milestone in our life of faith together with those with whom we have worked side-by-side to build God’s Kingdom. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Rev. Joshua Cotter and the Anniversary Preparation Team