United Kingdom
On October 24th AMAR U.S. held its Inaugural Gala Dinner, graciously hosted at the residence of British Ambassador to the U.S., Sir Peter Westmacott.
Amidst the chandeliered splendor of the residence’s ballroom, 120 invited guests listened to speeches from Ambassador Westmacott, Iraqi Ambassador Lukman Faily, AMAR’s founder and President, Baroness Emma Nicholson, and the evening’s keynote speaker, author and journalist Peter Bergen.
Ambassador Westmacott told the guests that AMAR’s work in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen was firmly rooted in humanitarian concern. “From its beginnings 21 years ago, it has grown into one of the most effective and brilliantly run charities in the world.”
His Iraqi counterpart, Ambassador Faily, said AMAR was helping bring dignity back for ordinary people. “Iraqis are proud people, and we never forget those that helped in our hours of need – Baroness Nicholson and AMAR did this. I hope that the success of this charity will repeated now we have this operation in the United States.”
Baroness Nicholson said the charity had managed to achieve a great amount, and was delighted that the fledgling AMAR U.S. was now making great strides.
“We have had wonderful support from the State Department, which has helped us focus on women’s rights, medical treatment, and education in Iraq. We have achieved over one million medical interventions, which is incredible considering our funding only amounts to a few million dollars,” continued Baroness Nicholson.
She added that AMAR was desperate to work in Syria too “if only we had the funding.”
Following the dinner, a live auction was held, including two items generously donated by AMAR’s UK patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
Preceding the auction was a new video of AMAR’s critical work in Iraq, Lebanon and with Syrian refugees, “Willing Hearts”, which can be found at the top of this page.
AMAR U.S. would like to thank the Washington AMAR Supporters Circle, particularly Chairman Patricia Morgan, and Board Members Margaret Casscells-Hamby, Chris Stott and Jim Olson, without whom the event could not have happened. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our wonderful Program Assistant volunteers, particularly Megan Brown who oversaw the gala from its inception.
Finally, our immense thanks to the British Ambassador and his wonderful staff for hosting and coordinating the evening, and to our event and prize sponsors:
EVENT SPONSORS
- AETOS Capital
- ManSat
- Dr. Paul Wolfowitz
- John and Judith Niepold
AUCTION ITEM AND PRIZE DONORS
- His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
- Patricia Morgan
- Shaeffer
- The London Intercontinental Park Lane
- Walt Disney World
