Chapter 199 - JL International Anniversary Ball (2)

16 February, Star Dream Hotel, City K

Phillip, then continued "The second charity is the Cancer Treatment Centre at the main public hospital here. It is well known that I have had multiple cancer battles. Throughout my treatments I have met many people suffering, like me, with cancer. Cancer, whatever form it takes does not discriminate. It attacks the rich and the poor, the young and the old, males and females, there is no rhyme or reason to it."

"Coming into contact with people from all walks of life during my treatment, has constantly made me aware of the fragility of human life. I have been lucky throughout my treatment in that I have been able to fund leading edge treatment for myself, that not only has shortened treatment cycles but been successful twice in driving my cancer into remission."

"However, I have watched people I have met struggle to the costs of treatment, and receiving the bare minimum, or having to stop treatment. I heard stories of families selling their homes, and their possessions to pay for a loved one's treatment; families choosing between life and death or even whether other family members would eat, continue their education or even marry their beloved. Those constant choices would always draw at my heart."

"As a consequence, I would always pay for others treatment, as I felt lucky to have met the people I did when I was in the treatment centre. They drew me away from my privileged life and forced me to understand and accept that deep down we are no different from each other, circ.u.mstances gave some of us opportunities and created hardsh.i.p.s for others."

"Many of the people I helped tried to reject the help I offered, saying they did not deserve it and that there were others worse off then them who deserved the help. I was also aware that despite my good will there were many other that I did not know of their existence that I could not help, including children."

"In selecting the Cancer Treatment Centre as our second charity for the night, I want to ensure that every citizen of our city and the surrounding area can access world leading treatment at minimal, if no cost. I want to try and eliminate those hard choices that families have to make and show that this town cares for everyone."

"To kick off the donations, from my personal funds I am donating one million dollars to each fund. The Yao family personally, Jax Corp, Nang Enterprises and the Gu Group all informed me prior to the start of these celebrations that they would match my personal donation, so thank you each and all of you."

"You will find, on the tables where your meals will be served, envelopes for donations to the charities. You can elect to have your donation kept secret but otherwise every donation will be announced tonight and thanked on our website."

"As to the goods auction there is two components. What is called a silent auction, there items are displayed, and you write your bid on a piece of paper, and it is sealed in an envelope. That gives each person present an equal opportunity to win. The winners will be announced after the final course. The second part will be the public auction that will occur between the main course and the final course. There are twenty different items or experiences up for auction in that part. Once the formal parts are over, the band will play, and you are welcome to stay as long as you desire tonight."

"Now, just before I finish, as I guess you are all sick and tired of hearing me speak. I want to turn again to the staff of JL International. During the year, by their fundraising activities they have raised eight thousand that will be split between the two charities. To the staff present, and this thank you will go to all staff not just you, thank you for not only your hard work, but congratulations on your fundraising activities throughout the year. You demonstrate that you have a conscious and want to better our community, that is a credit to every one of you as humans. Having such a wonderful staff is something that makes me, as your ultimate boss proud."

"Looking at the time, we have another thirty or so minutes before the meals will start being served. Other than a couple of tables here at the front there is no set place for anyone to sit, so feel free otherwise to take a place at any table and enjoy yourself."

Phillip then stepped back from the microphone, and his speech drew a round of applause. Matthew, so only Phillip and Lexi could hear said "Phillip I hope you know what you are doing. You know our parents will cause an issue when they hear of your selection."

"Matthew, they can go jump. I asked them three months ago for their input into the charities selected. You know what their response was? They simply said as long as it made them look good, they did not care. I only made the decision a month ago on the charities, and you know I do not give a care as to their ultimate opinion. Both are good causes, and I will enjoy watching them have to play nice while hating my choices, as they still detest the decision you made to join the military and view that my cancer is the god's punishment for my 'unnatural' relationship. Now go and mingle for thirty minutes, you two are joining me at the main table, as I do not want to have to face our parents alone when they arrive Matthew."

"You owe us…"

Phillip laughed, and walked away knowing he had cornered Matthew into doing what he wanted.

At that moment, there was a commotion at the entry to the ballroom and Matthew noticed his parents had walked into the room, and Anthony Rong shouted "Phillip Rong, how dare you do what you have done."

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