HEARTFELT THANKS to the 400 plus supporters and friends of the Rene Moawad Foundation who joined us on Thursday October 30th at our 29th Annual DC Gala at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington DC. Your presence is a lovely reminder of your unwavering dedication and generosity that empowers RMF to preserve hope and dignity for families across Lebanon. For those supporters and members of the Lebanese diaspora who could not be with us this year, here’s a brief rundown of the evening with videos and photos.

RMF honored four prominent Lebanese Americans: The Public Service Award was extended to the Honorable Paul M. Dabbar, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, who was presented by Hon Rich Ashooh, former Honoree and RMF Board Member. The Outstanding Community Service Award was extended to HE Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Lebanon’s Ambassador to the US and her husband Dr. Gerard Moawad, whose success story exemplifies that of the Lebanese diaspora and for supporting many Lebanese American Organizations working for the cause of Lebanon. Lastly, the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award was extended to Dr. Talal M. Nsouli, for his extraordinary contributions in the medical field and to the community, who was presented by Wolf Blitzer from the Situation Room and profusely thanked by President Clinton.

In her introductory remarks RMFUSA’s Executive Director Nadia Abourizk-Asaad highlighted the five sectors RMF is involved in all over Lebanon, urging all to view firsthand where everyone’s support and trust was being delivered- namely, in Education & Protection, Agriculture, Livelihood and Economic Growth, Community Development and Healthcare, noting that the proceeds of the gala this year were earmarked to the health care sector.

In his welcome remarks, RMFUSA Board President Mr. Adib Kassis acknowledged the presence of many dignitaries and community leaders relaying a message from Hon. Morgan Ortagus, who said, “I love Lebanon and so grateful how the Lebanese People have embraced me”. He reminded all of HE Nayla Moawad who established RMF in the memory of her late husband President Rene Moawad to commemorate his vision of Justice, equality and a dignified life for all. He concluded by saying, “For us Lebanese Americans, giving generously to Lebanon has never been a duty but a privilege!”

In her remarks, HE Nada Hamadeh Moawad, newly appointed Ambassador of Lebanon to the US, described RMF as “A beacon of hope, resilience and compassion that has illuminated Lebanon even in its darkest hours... that it’s work reminded us that true patriotism lies not in words but in action”.

In his keynote address, HE Michel Moawad, RMF Lebanon’s Director and a Lebanese MP, highlighted success stories that capture what RMF stands for: “Not charity but capacity building and dignity, not relief but sustained renewal”, and RMF’s focus on “creating jobs, helping farmers exporting goods not their youth”. He added that RMF has offered international partners a transparent, professional platform that transcends politics and sectarian divides, working across the country to keep the Lebanese rooted in their land. He announced a $1 million grant from Islamic Relief USA to continue a vital USAID program that was suspended due to the shutdown of USAID.

The evening was masterfully emceed by Mr. John Akouri, a prominent Lebanese American media personality whose energy and engagement gave the audience an opportunity to further support the cause of the evening and brought the overall gross funds raised to $525,000, which will allow the Foundation to support around 1900 chronic patients annually with access to chronic meds- one of the core pillars of RMF’s Healthcare program. The evening's feature performer was Lebanese American vocal artist Rackelle.