Human Development Foundation

800 Guests Attend Fundraiser With Imran Khan To Benefit Needy

SANTA CLARA, CA, USA, JULY 28, 2005: The Santa Clara Marriott was the venue for the Human Development Foundation’s (HDF) 2nd Annual Silicon Valley Benefit Dinner, held on Saturday, July 16 in front of a packed crowd of 800 attendees. HDF is a non-governmental organization (NGO) which aims to assist the disenfranchised in Pakistan by helping them to help themselves, through education, literacy, infrastructure improvements, and micro-loan based business creation projects. The event itself was a celebration of the humanitarian work that HDF has accomplished since its inception in 1997, and featured a good mix of brief motivational speeches, a moving video, entertainment, and a fund raiser.

Pakistani Cricket legend Imran Khan was the Keynote speaker and he was certainly a popular choice, as evidenced by the numerous photograph and autograph requests that were solicited from him throughout the course of the evening. Mr. Khan spoke eloquently and candidly about the challenges facing his country, from poverty to illiteracy to corruption. Following his talk, Mr. Khan answered audience questions along with his co-panelist, Dr. Khalid Riaz, the co-Chairperson of HDF and one of its founders. Dr. Riaz provided an overview of HDF and explained what its vision and strategy was for the coming years.

Another highlight of the evening was Greg Mortenson, Executive Director of the Central Asia Institute, who recounted his own personal journey from climbing K2 to recuperating in a village at the mountain’s base to deciding to devote his future to improving the lives of the very poor residents of the areas surrounding Pakistan’s world-renowned peaks. This story of a non-Muslim, non-Pakistani who, in the past 12 years, has helped create 48 schools serving 2000 children in some of the most down-trodden areas of Pakistan, left the crowd amazed and heart warmed.

Next, a brief video was shown which outlined some of the work HDF has accomplished and included some of its success stories. This short film, entitled 'Progress For Peace', was noteworthy for the fact that it was produced not by either HDF or a Pakistani-affiliated firm, but rather an independent production company called Visionaries (www.visionaries.org), which is airing the program on PBS outlets throughout the United States. The video brought to life many of the residents who are benefiting from HDF’s work, and provided a glimpse into how those efforts have translated into real-life successes.

The video was followed by a fundraising session in which the evening’s goal was, Alhamdolillah, achieved. The Silicon Valley Coordinator for HDF, Mr. Javed Khan, remarked: “Tonight’s event was a resounding success in that we were able to attract a huge audience, generate a great deal of awareness about HDF, and attain our fundraising goal. Insha-Allah, this will enable HDF to continue its work toward the betterment of Pakistan and humanity overall.”

The evening concluded with yet another treat, a two-hour performance by Ghazal singer Habib Wali Muhammed and his group. As usual, the world-renowned singer thrilled the crowd with his choice of songs as well as his vocal range, and showed that he is still capable of an incredible performance at his tender age of 79. All in all, the program was a most enjoyable evening and all who attended felt it was one of the most inspiring, informative, and entertaining programs in memory, which the organizers hope translates to greater exposure and support of HDF going forward.

Pictures from the event

Keynote Speaker and Pakistani Cricket Legend, Mr. Imran Khan

Silicon Valley Coordinator for HDF, Mr. Javed Khan

Twins Adeeb and Azeem Khan kick off event with Urdu poem

Mr. Imran Khan with emcee Mr. Athar Siddiqee

HDF Volunteers pose for photo around Mr. Imran Khan

Date/Time Last Modified: 8/1/2005 8:11:15 AM

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