The second annual fundraiser held Jan. 25 at the Pacific Hills Banquet Hall in Laguna Hills, California, raised $25,000 for ARO's new Technology Education Center (TEC) in Kabul. The event theme, “Where There’s Education, There is Hope” focused on the need to provide supplemental education services while the countrywide education system in Afghanistan is re-established.

Musical Entertainment
Approximately five hundred supporters attended the event, which showcased live, musical entertainment featuring Massoud and Hamed Shamel, Ohni & Launie, Dj Wassi, and Pam Wicks, professional pianist.

Guest Speakers
Guest speakers Hekmat Sadat, a Southern California educator, and Dr. Abdullah Sherzay, Deputy Director of Health for Afghanistan, spoke about current status of education in Afghanistan and the country’s general health situation. Special guest, Mr. Sayed Hamed Noory, Director of Afghanistan’s United Journalists Union/Kabul TV, spoke about the importance of ARO’s relief and education projects.

A Celebration of Traditional Dress, Cuisine and Craftsmanship
The audience also enjoyed a traditional and vividly colorful fashion show modeled by young, Afghan-American women. Event goers sampled delicious Afghan food, while perusing elegant tapestries, rugs and authentic jewelry, featuring silver, lapis and other semi precious stones. The proceeds of these purchases were allocated to the TEC

Thank you to Pacific Hills Banquet Hall!
ARO’s fundraising event would not have been possible without the generosity of the management of Pacific Hills Banquet Hall, who donated their beautiful facility and services for the evening of hope. The generosity did not end there; the performers also donated their time and talents, while ARO volunteers spent endless hours, energy, sweat and tears to make this fundraiser a night to remember.

How the Money was used in 2004
The proceeds from this event were dedicated to supporting ARO’s TEC (please see information on the Technology Education Center on this website) and the Spring 2004 humanitarian relief effort (please see more about Spring 2004 Relief trip details on this website).

The ARO relief team expenditures from the 2004 event proceeds:

TEC Improvements $6600.00
• Construction of multi purpose conference / lecture room
• TEC and relief team equipment (desks, steel beds/mattresses)
• Repair of TEC building
• Boiler equipment
• Computer repair, internet installation

Bamiyan Relief Trip $1600.00
• Rental of relief transport vehicles, Bamiyan food and lodging expenses

Family and Individual Relief Assistance $1500.00
• ARO sets aside funds for “on-the-spot” relief donations to individuals and families who need emergency assistance.

Administrative and Management $1900.00
• ARO’s president receives no salary from ARO, but, organization-approved expenses are assisted by ARO to cover costs for relief team advance work and leading relief efforts.

TEC Salaries and Operational Expenses for 2004 $12,500.00
• Monthly expenses for the TEC average between $1200.00 to $1500.00, including teacher salaries, 24-hour security, and ongoing operational / maintenance costs.

Reserves $900.00
• Funds not spent during 2004, if available, are “carried over” to the next year, as the work continues!