Saturday, February 27th was Granada’s Annual Fundraising Dinner. The theme for this year’s event ,“It Takes a Village…”-The Community’s Responsibility in Shaping Our Youth was taken from the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In today’s day and age, the community represents the village. It takes the support of and cooperation between village members (parents, teachers, Masajid leaders, Religious scholars, Muslim organizations, and Muslim businesses) to raise well-rounded Muslim children.
The entire village was represented in the MCA Banquet Hall. In attendance were students, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles. Also present were Granada teachers, administration and board. Current and former MCA board members were present, as well as community leaders. Alumni in attendance included some of the most recent graduates as well as some of the school’s earliest graduates. There was a feeling of warmth, care, and support in the air.
The tables were decorated with mini villages created by Sister Hadeel Etman. The stage was adorned by a beautiful backdrop painted by Sister Reem Faddah. The food was catered by Mehran Restaurant in Newark.
The program was emceed by Brother Salman Khan, Vice Chairman of the GIS Board. MCA president, Dr. Mohammed Nadeem, and GIS Principal, Nihad Mourad welcomed the guests. Isa Shaw, Chairman of the GIS Board of Directors presented the playground and technology projects for which we were raising funds. Two of the Bay Area’s well-known and well-respected speakers, Shaykh Alaeddin ElBakri and Imam Zaid Shakir, graced us with their presence. They greatly motivated and inspired our guests.
There were a couple of highlights during the event. One was the student performances. MashaAllah, they were impressive! During the dinner, guests were entertained by eighth grade students singing “We Are the World.” Third grade students, Ali Hamade and Rama Amourah began the program with a beautiful recitation of Quran and translation. Kindergarten students left the audience smiling after reciting the morning dua. Seventh grader, Tasneem Labib dazzled the audience with her powerful speech, “My Place in the Community.” Fifth grade Nasheed Club’s sweet voices sang “Mercy from the sky is falling.” Our Cooking Club students served the audience desserts which they made. Alhamdulillah, each of these students was a shining example of the talent we have at Granada Islamic School.
The other highlight was the video, “What Does it Take to Raise a Muslim Child?”, produced by MAT Productions. The video featured students, parents, teachers, community leaders, and alumni. The video showed how each of the aforementioned plays a role in raising a Muslim child.
Many thanks go out to all the volunteers who helped plan the event; especially Sister Michelle Lee, Sister Hadeel Etman, Sister Abiya Ahmed, and Sister Hana Faour. Thanks to all the Cooking Club students and their parents for baking delicious desserts for our guests. Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Hidaya Foundation, Islamic Relief, Dr. Yahya Radwan, Dr. Sarah Azad, Cal Micro, ICNA Bay Area, Ali Auto Care, and Dr. Hesham Amer. Their combined donation totaled $7750. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your support of GIS.
Alhamdulillah, it truly was a blessed night. Individuals donated and pledged over $120,000. Most importantly, there was a feeling of support and commitment to GIS, its students and staff. May Allah bless those who donated their time, money, or duas to Granada. May Allah bless our school.