Human Development Foundation of North America Fundraiser
The Human Development Foundation of North America Fundraiser at the Knotts Berry Resort Hotel on Saturday, November 15 th, 2014 this year once again testified to the community’s sustained drive for improving the lot of the underprivileged segment of Pakistan's population. The select group of community members raised funds to support various projects of the HDF in the four provinces of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
In keeping with its past tradition, the program started with a recitation from the Holy Qur'an and its English translation by Faisal Qasim. The emcee, Dr Imran Qasim, conducted the proceedings smoothly with his apt introductions and lively comments.
The opening remarks were presented by Fatima Khan. She was followed by Dr Yasmin Qasim who had once again brought the leading lights of the community to the event. Dr Attiya Khan made a passionate plea for community support to lend momentum to HDF undertakings in different provinces of Pakistan. With the help of slides she showed that generous donations made by community members were being gainfully utilized to educate boys and girls in the poorest areas while clinics provided the much needed health care. Micro loans too were bringing about a wholesome change by raising self-sufficient families.
In a short span of 15 years the HDF has an impressive array of achievements to its credit. It has established adult literacy centers for women, schools for underprivileged boys and girls, and health care centers in rural areas of the country. The Foundation continues to help people help themselves by working in the most desolate areas of Pakistan, building schools and clinics, issuing loans for small businesses, and, most importantly, giving people the incentive and courage to realize their potential to improve their lot.
The chief guest speaker was Dr Sana Khan, well-known radiologist/neurophysiologist and an accomplished physician, researcher, teacher and entrepreneur. He has built advanced medical diagnostic centers nationally and focused on accurate diagnoses of musculoskeletal injuries utilizing the Upright, Kinetic MRI. Dr Khan spoke on the teachings of our faith to help the needy and also how compliance to this noble command helps us individually and enriches our life. His emotional references to the Holy Qur'an and its emphasis on giving will have a lasting effect on the audience.
The chief guest, Mr Tasawar Khan, outgoing Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, spoke on the need to help Pakistan alleviate poverty through a structured approach and promised the government's role in partnering with NGOs for greater good. He lauded HDF’s focus on imparting education, especially to girls.
The event's keynote speaker was Syed Javaid Anwar, a renowned Pakistani-
American businessman who has made a great name for himself in the American oil and gas industry and is the recipient of the Philanthropist of the Year Award. A man of integrity, Syed Javaid Anwar believes in honesty, education and hard work. He has a big heart and has generously supported many charitable causes locally and in Pakistan to fund hospitals, schools and other organizations.
Mr Anwar spoke on the need for a better world and how we as individuals can make this happen. He appreciated HDF’s and Dr Yasmin’s efforts and impressive achievements. Mr Anwar also made a major donation. The other guests who made generous donations included Dr Sana and Safura Khan, Mr Saleem and Yasmeen Adaya, Mr Navaz and Fauzia Malik, Mr Shakeel Ahmed and Dr Tahira Akram and other guests present on the occasion.
Dr Yasmin Qasim has successfully organized HDF fundraisers in Southern California for the last twelve years and each occasion has been a memorable one. This year's event was indisputably one of the best, both in terms of the format and the content. Her team comprising Ghazala Khan, Parveen Imdad, Fatima Khan, Abida Ahmed, and Shaheen Awan is to be duly commended for their efforts. Congrats to Dr Qasim for her hard work and continued support of HDF. Fatima Waqar, Ghazala Khan, Parveen Imdad and Abida Ahmed have played a prominent role in organizing the event and their contribution is to be greatly appreciated.
The guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner catered by Mr Dara Khan of Shahnawaz Restaurant. After dinner the guests enjoyed a highly entertaining musical program late into the night by famous Pakistani singer and entertainer Asad Abbas.
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