Past Events
The 7th Annual Hope Fundraising Gala Summary
Hope for Iraqi Christians hosted a very special evening on Friday, 3 November 2023 intended to heighten public awareness, and raise much needed funding to help the most vulnerable individuals and families in most need throughout Northern Iraq. This year we were hosted at St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Church Hall, where we held yet another sold-out event of nearly 500 guests! The attendees were treated to an eye- opening program filled with first-hand facts and videos directly from the villages Hope serves in Iraq. The special night peaked with our key-note speaker, Bishop Felix Shabi, who travelled from Zakhou, a village in Northern Iraq, to personally speak on behalf of the neediest families. We also had local speakers from San Diego who inspired our guests. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, and fine beverages, during our social mixer segment, enthralled in a very elegant and relaxed ambiance, enjoying traditional violin and harp playing live in the background. The event included a social hour serving delicious hors d'oeuvres and sushi, as well as an authentic coffee bar with traditional warm pastries for all to enjoy.
Our Master of Ceremonies, Afaf Konja, Media & Communication expert, and former UN Spokesperson, opened the evening by welcoming the special guests, including Chaldean Catholic Bishops and priests, as well as key dignitaries, like Supervisor Joel Anderson and Andrew Hayes, currently campaigning for State Assembly. At the onset of the Gala’s opening, our MC turned the attention to the guests, asking them a simple yet fundamental question to get to the heart of what moved each of them to attend the Gala. This question sparked replies full of emotions that ignited participation with a hopeful spirit and nudged in the reminder of why the Hope Gala was created in the first place, to help save and protect the most vulnerable since the ISIS invasion of 2014, and a final answer lifted the energy in the room to a roaring laughter, thanks to a response that reminded everyone to remain cheerful, while highlighting the meaningful treasures that come from serving others.
Our first speaker, Dr John Kasawa, El Cajon’s trusted local family physician and one of the founders of Hope for Iraqi Christians, gave an update on the 1) “Shipment of Hope” program, whereby Hope works with the US military and partner, Roads of Success, a non-profit organization. He explained and showed the 850 gift boxes, as well as the 500 pairs of high-quality shoes for boys and girls. These deliveries are Hope’s “Kid to Kid” initiative, whereby empty gift boxes were distributed at San Diego churches, filled by local kids with their parents' help, and shipped to fellow youngsters in our homeland villages. 2) In its first-year, distributions were made as donation cans to Catechism students during the season of Lent. The kids filled these cans with coins and dollar bills. Eight hundred cans were distributed and a total of $9,214 were collected. This was a big goal of ‘Kids to Kids’, to have the kids (and adults) remember other kids and bring joy to kids in our home-land villages. 3) Dr. Kasawa also provided an update on the fire tragedy in Baghdeda village, where GoFundMe raised $1700, and the Ladies of Hope, a local charity organization, conducted their own outreach, and presented us with a check for $5,000. 4) Lastly, Dr. Kasawa shared Hope’s biggest initiative to the Gala itself: To ensure in presenting an informative program lasting no more than one hour with at least one guest speaker from the Ninevah Plains, directly involved with “Adopt a Family”, featuring pictures and videos taken first-hand on location, provide financial updates and how many families we are supporting with your donations, acknowledge the sponsors, see our local volunteer committee, and have a time for donors to make new donations, or renew current donations. All this with excellent food, fine drinks, soft background music, valet parking, parting gift bags, and plenty of time for guests to socialize with like-minded humanitarians all gathered for the noble cause of helping the poorest of poor in our ancestral homeland of Iraq. Due note, much of the food, items, and services were either donated or given at a large, discounted price, thanks to our local community businesses.
Finally, Karam Hanko, a leading organizer of the Gala, explained the process and goals of this year’s “Kid to kid” gift. Guests had a chance to receive gift bags as parting gifts, to fill for our next delivery, and this year’s goal is 2,000 gift boxes!
Dr. Noori Barka, a visionary and community leader as well as founder of Hope for Iraqi Christians, touted all donors, announcing that over the last 9 years we were able to raise over $3.24 million and adopt nearly 350 families! He explained the Adopt a Needy Family program, its simplicity and transparency and acknowledged the effectiveness of the local committees, noting that the money is delivered by hand by to the neediest families by committee members, who then sign receipt of delivery. The names and contact information is given to each donor of the adopted family, to stay in touch with one another directly. Each step documented and followed through with complete transparency and accountability. Dr. Noori exclaimed to the donors that, It’s amazing when the community gets together, it makes miracles!”. Please give yourselves a big hand for this great achievement.” He appealed for more help, explaining that there are hundreds of more families that need desperate assistance. A two-minute animated film followed, created by our own IT whiz Nasma Arabo, which visually explained how the donated dollars go to the poorest families.
Priest, Fr Apharm Moshi, who serves in Arizona was coincidentally visiting Baghdeda when the fire tragedy struck. He keeps in contact with many of the local people there, and gave statistics, which include 132 deceased and 175 severely injured. In addition to burn injuries, many suffered smoke inhalation lung damage that is causing chronic disability. Many children are now without a dad or mom, he informed and thus are missing primary source of revenue and care--almost 75 families. He underscored that, donations came at the beginning of the tragedy, but have slowed down in the last few weeks. Hope looks forward to identifying the families that are most in need and will be registering these families in the “Adopt a Family Program”.
The Keynote Speaker, Bishop Felix Shabi, who came from the diocese of Zakho, explained the current practical situation in the villages. He enumerated the expenses of the families and gave statistics. He informed listeners that just over 10,000 families exist across our villages, whereby nearly 25 percent fall within the very poor category. The Bishop detailed with specific examples how much basic costs go are for fundamentals for living, like kerosene, electricity, food, and other basic necessities. He explained that the “Adopt a Family” program is very helpful, in that the families use the money for basic necessities, proving most important for their unique situations. He went on to explain that in such cases, the Church is asked to help. The Church then prioritizes these special cases. Bishop Felix detailed how a family of eight, including a child with disabilities, helps with transportation to a special education school run by nuns, and other situations such as chronic medical illness. He also explained how even though husband and wife are working, they are making a total of only $170 per month with four children, due to poor economics of the region. He encouraged donors with the fact that their donations are changing lives, and that many more families would greatly benefit from such donations. He warned guests that winter is approaching, and these already vulnerable families will go cold again this year because they are unable to afford energy. He shared his experience of the more than three years working with “Adopt a Family”, of the 57 very poor families in the Zakho villages, and expressed his genuine appreciation for the efficiency and direct system used so that these donations get to these families.
During “The Ask” segment of the evening, Shamasha Samir Salem, an esteemed member of the community, gave his testimony of the trip to North Iraq earlier in the Spring of 2023. He shared how these families look like us, talk like us… He met some of the families who are receiving the monthly donations, explaining that even though ISIS is gone, the effects of the devastation still exists. “They are trying to rebuild still, even though they are treated as second class citizens,” he shared. He brought the audience’s attention to the poor medical system, and lack of any safety net, which makes it especially difficult for the elderly, and disabled. “We are helping 15% of the poorest of the poor families, Samer informed, and our goal this year is to at least get to 20%, if not 25%.” Dr Kasawa concluded The Ask by explaining to donors how to fill out the donation cards for one-time, recurring donations, and how to be a Sponsor for next year.
Finally, Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, shared his personal experience during his visit to Iraq in early 2023. He shared how St Peter’s Diocese also participated in helping the victims in Bagdeda. Extrapolating at how helping someone in need is a great example of what it means to be a Christian, to follow Jesus commands of helping the poor. The bishop reminded us that we have been blessed in this country, and that the donations help bring not only a smile to their face, but also much needed help. He acknowledged the efforts of the committee, and the donors, and reminded everyone it is for Christ’s glory. Our dear Bishop blessed all attendees, during his special dinner blessing. During dinner, a fun raffle give-away, led by Abouna Andy Younan, where 15 prizes were won, donated from the Platinum donors.
The spectacular evening was aired live on Facebook via Chaldean Radio&TV, reaching a greater audience and more potential donors. We’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the donors and participants of the Hope 2023 Gala and kindly ask that you continue keeping the most-needy families in your deep prayers. On behalf of the poorest and persecuted, we appreciate any donations you're able to give from your hearts. Thank you to all from the bottom of our hearts! God bless you, and see you in 2024!
The 6th Annual Hope Fundraising Gala
Hope for Iraqi Christians hosted a very special evening on Friday, October 14th, 2022 intended to heighten public awareness, and raise much needed funding to help the most vulnerable individuals and families who are in most need in Northern Iraq. This year we were hosted at St Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Church Hall, where we held another sold-out event of 550 guests!
Our Master of Ceremonies, Afaf Konja, Global Communications Specialist and former United Nations Spokesperson, opened the evening by welcoming guests, including Chaldean Catholic Bishops, local priests, as well as key dignitaries.
Our first speaker, Dr John Kasawa, a local family physician and one of the founders of Hope for Iraqi Christians, gave an update on the Shipment of Hope program, whereby Hope works with the US military and partner, Roads of Success, a non-profit organization. Dr. Kasawa also informed guests that Hope for Iraqi Christians was featured in the monthly Knights of Columbus magazine, Columbia. Thanks to Columbia magazine, donors from around the country started donating, amounting to nearly $1,000 per month recurring donations.
Local guest speaker, Father Simon Eshaki, shared his personal experience during his visit to Iraq in 2019. He expressed his concern for the magnitude of suffering, asking donors to not lose sight of their needs, while living our lives of comfort. He reminded us that as Christians, we have responsibilities that include prayer, fasting as well as alms-giving, asking all to open their hearts to giving and blessed all the guests.
Dr. Noori Barka, a founder of Hope for Iraqi Christians, touted all donors, announcing that over the last 8 years we were able to raise over $2.7M and adopt nearly 350 families! He explained the Adopt a Needy Family program, its simplicity and transparency and acknowledged the effectiveness of the Program’s support system led by the diocese in Erbil, Iraq, noting that the money is delivered by hand by to the neediest families by committee members, who then sign receipt of delivery.
Special Guest Speaker, Abouna Karam Shamasha, who came from Telskuf, delivered an impassioned yet calm speech, where he explained the current practical situation in the villages. He clearly enumerated the expenses of the families and gave statistics. He informed listeners that just over 10,000 families across our villages and cities. Whereby, nearly 25 percent fall within the very poor category. He detailed with specific examples how much basic costs are for fundamentals for living, like kerosene, electricity, food, and other basic necessities. He gave an example of a pregnant woman who was unable to afford transport to neighboring cities, let alone get the medical attention she needs for herself and unborn child. He went on to explain that in such cases, the Church is asked to help. The Church then prioritizes these special cases. Father Shamasha noted that the church has a spiritual responsibility, but also often acts as the social worker, because there no safety nets in Iraq such as medi-cal, food stamps, or other social protection services established other countries.
Dr Kasawa came back to summarize some of the above themes in English. Most importantly is “takes a community to help the community back home”. A total of almost $250,000 was raised, but to clarify we don’t have the $250,000 in the bank, as we are counting someone who started donating $100/month as $1200 for the year. The fundraising routes was in large part due to the generosity of our platinum, gold, and bronze sponsors.
Finally, our Bishop, Emmanuel Shaleta, congratulated the efforts, zeal and will of the Hope team in doing what he referred to as the Christian and human thing to do. Our dear Bishop blessed all participants and donors, noting that, “This is the best way to help the needy”, during his special dinner blessing. The spectacular evening was aired live on Facebook via Chaldean Radio & TV, reaching a greater audience and more potential donors. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the donors and participants of the Hope 2022 Gala and kindly ask that you continue keeping the most-needy families in your deep prayers. On behalf of the poorest and persecuted, we appreciate any donations you’re able to give from your hearts. Thank you to all from the bottom of our hearts! God bless you, and see you in 2023!
Report for Hope for Iraqi Christians 2018, Fundraising Gala
The Hope for Iraqi Christians, an organization under St Peter’s Chaldean Knights of Columbus council, hosted a Fundraising Gala of prayers, spreading awareness, and raising funds to help the persecuted poor in Iraq and the Middle East, on September 28th. There were 370 humanitarians in attendance, which consisted of clergy, dignitaries, and guests. All those at the gala witnessed a beautiful night of community coming together to help a most worthy cause. The gala was at University of San Diego, and we were co-sponsored by the university as well!
Showcased were several speakers who were able to give a first hand eyewitness account of the current plight of the refugees and the poor. All these speakers were in the middle east within the past several weeks.
After expenses were blessed to raise $163,420!
It’s not too late to donate!
Why donate?
1) Literally thousands of families need desperate assistance, in this modern day Genocide, of the native people of Iraq;
2) Money going directly to the neediest;
3) It’s biblical. Our Lord says, “truly I tell you, whatever you did to the least of my people, you did for ME.” - Matthew 24:45
We keep four promises, 100% of your money goes to most needy, 100% transparency, 100% volunteer run, and 100% tax deductible.
On behalf of the poor and persecuted, we thank you for all your continued prayers and support!
July, 2016
We had a generous response to our 100 family matching appeal in July! A total of 67 donors signed up to be monthly donors. Even though we were a short of our goal of 100, our generous sponsor of the matching appeal promised to still support the original 100 families! This brings our total families matched between the San Diego and Michigan Chaldean Catholic Diocese to just over 2,000 families to whom we are sending monthly donations! More needs to be done, and we are working hard, and being innovative to reach out to more donors. Our next phase is to reach out to parishes across San Diego, please read the letters sent to all the priests in San Diego. We have started outreaching to local churches already, and the responses from parishioners have been heartwarming. So with a full set of volunteers, we are hoping to reach more churches in the coming months. Please contact us know if your parish is interested in having us discuss the ongoing plight of the innocent suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.
May 5, 2016
Hope for Iraqi Christians and the Knights of Columbus Mar Toma Council #10981 raised over $270,000 during a fundraising event on Thursday, May 5th in El Cajon. There were nearly 500 guests in attendance at the invite-only event hosted at the St. Peter’s Cathedral church hall. Read more here.
February 21, 2016
Thank you, Ryan, for helping us set up. Our Deacon Keith was allowed to give all homilies for the day, regarding the plight of the Christians and other minorities in Ninevah. Over $5,000 raised and monthly donors signed up for Adopt a Refugee Family.
February 18. 2016
Launch of MERCI California was a success! Dr. Bassam Jawaideh from Michigan gave a presentation on how he helped establish nine clinics in North Iraq helping the refugees. And Dr. Ayad Daoud is a Christian doctor who actually works in one of the clinics! Please pray for their ongoing efforts to support the displaced. You may contribute financially here under Medical Need.
January 31, 2016
On Sunday, Jan 31, 2016, we spent all day at St. Pius Catholic Church with my brother Knights, creating awareness on the plight of Iraqi Christian refugees.
May 7, 2015
Raising awareness at the East County San Diego Mayor's Luncheon, May 7th 2015, where we were able to discuss the plight of Christians, and have a booth for donations. Read more here.
