Monday 10 December 2012

An Evening for Gaza


Serving Ma'louba
We finally hosted our first event last Saturday after launching online eight months ago!

Following Israel's latest attack on Gaza last month, we felt there was no better time to host our first event, with all money raised going to Medical Aid for Palestinians - who are doing a great job of helping the people in Gaza following the attack.

We had a challenge on our hands, having only two weeks to find a venue, get the food bought and cooked, guests invited and entertainment lined up. Luckily, we have very supportive family and friends, who all helped make the evening a great success.

Jo O'Neill from MAP addresses the guests
The food was provided by hardworking family members, who made enough mezze, ma'louba, bizzella and basboosa to feed 40 hungry guests!

A group of volunteers were brilliant at setting up the venue, serving food and drinks, and tackling the mountain of washing up at the end of the evening.

Jo O'Neill from MAP was kind enough to come and speak to the guests about the charity, and the vital work they do in Gaza and beyond.

Al Zaytouna dabke group did a wonderful job of entertaining the crowds, and even got people on their feet dancing!

Zaytoun CIC set up a stall selling artisan Palestinian produce, and kindly donated a percentage of their profits to MAP on the night.

Al Zaytouna performed some brilliant dabke on the evening
Special thanks also go out to Dave and Pat Tomlinson of Saint Luke's Church who gave us the use of their space for no fee.

So far we have raised over £1500 for MAP and we couldn't be more thrilled. We couldn't have done it without the collective hard work of family and friends, and of all the guests who came along, donated generously and supported our first event so warmly. Thank you so much.

For those of you who weren't able to attend, here are some more pictures of the evening below.

Zaytoun's stall selling Palestinian produce
Saint Luke's Church
Kanafe - traditional sweet from Nablus











See you at our next event!

Leila
x





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