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The 7th DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2019

On October 18, 2019, Educational charity Daughters for Life foundation hosted the 7th annual gala dinner to culminate the year with a celebration of the efforts spent encouraging learning and supporting daughters of the Middle East to pursue higher education. Three hundred guests attended the event including heads of Canada’s top educational institutes, titans of industry, prolific thought leaders and respected philanthropists. Per tradition, the esteemed guests gathered at the elegant Carlu in downtown Toronto to show their support to the foundation and honor the accomplishments of the inspirational scholars.

This year’s guests were warmly welcomed to a cocktail reception with hor’s d’ oeuvres and a live musical performance by Radwan Talib. Graciously, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, the founder of the Daughters for Life Foundation, thanked and welcomed everyone personally. During the reception, some guests enjoyed having their pictures taken in the photo booth run by Imagica while others participated in the silent bid for Artist Mike Hammer’s popular blob art, an exclusive men’s suit from LGFG Fashion House, and other luxurious items.

Guests had the chance to win a dinner for four at the glamorous French bistro and cocktail bar, Maison Selby by the famed Oliver & Bonacini group as part of this year’s raffle.

The Master of Ceremonies of the gala dinner was the award-winning documentarian, author, and acclaimed radio host, Carol Off. She opened the evening by paying respects to the sacred land of the First Nations on whose traditional territory the gala was being held. A warm welcome was extended to the honorary chairs of the foundation.

As the Gala commenced, Dr. Abuelaish was invited on stage to take us back to the moment of inception of the Daughters for Life Foundation. After that rousing speech, it was time to spotlight the lifeline of Daughters for Life Foundation, the scholars.

Waad Hassan, a master’s degree student studying English at our partner university Brock University in Canada, delivered this year’s scholars’ speech. Waad talked about her DFL experience as a refugee who attained higher education and encouraged guests to continue to support Daughters for Life in their mission to help more girls in the Middle East. Waad also moderated a panel discussion on stage with three other scholars of the foundation. Alaa El Hajjar, Rasha Almajali, and Liyan Alkawafhah shared their journeys with the audience and gave them a glimpse of the scholar’s determination to complete their education and continue to attain success and achievements. Through their confidence, guests could hear their commitment to lead their communities to a better future.

The heart-warming conversations with the DFL scholars were followed by the entertainment of the evening by the music of the Forte band. The elegant voice of Nour Khedder rang through the historic walls of the Carlu, along with the artistry of Edward Tarzi on the guitar, Amir Khoury on the violin, and Johnny Bahri on the piano.

As per usual, the Gala culminates in honoring three individuals who have shown exemplary courage in the face of tragedy and have worked towards justice and equality. This year, Dr. Jean Augustin, the first African Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons, received the Trailblazer Luminary Award. Dr. James Orbinski, physician, humanitarian activist, author and leading scholar in global health, received the Luminary Award. And Mindy Corporon from the Faith Always Wins Foundation received the Courage and Inspiration Luminary Award. Mindy’s father and son were killed in a hate crime in 2014 in Overland Park, Kansas.

Finally, after raffle winners were announced, Abdullah Snobar, the Gala chair, brought the wonderful night came to an end as he read the closing remarks and thanked all members of the gala organizing committee, silver sponsors, in-kind sponsors, academic partners, volunteers, and DFL’s sole employee Jacklin Ibrahim for the untiring work and continued support they put in to achieve the foundation’s mission of promoting peace through the education of girls in the Middle East.

Date: October 18, 2019

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

Luminary Award:

  • Life Trailblazer Luminary Award: Dr. Jean Augustinen
  • Life Leadership Luminary Award: Dr. James Orbinski
  • Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award: Mindy Corporon

VIP Guests:

  • Gala MC: Carol Off
  • Honorary Co-chairs: Leslie Lewis Dan, Michael Dan, Suleiman Rashid, Louise Dennys, Frank Gomberg, Thomas Miller, Rhonda L. Lenton
  • Meet Our Scholars: Waad Hassan, Alaa El Hajjar, Rasha Almajali, and Liyan Alkawafhah

Entertainment:

  • Singer: Nour Kheddar
  • Guitarist: Edward Tarzi
  • Pianist: Johnny Bahri
  • Violinist: Amri Khoury
  • Life Art: Mike Hammer

Sponsors:

  • Platinum Sponsors: Michael Dan and Amira Dan
  • Gold Sponsors: University of Guelph
  • Silver Sponsors: Gomberg Mediation Solutions Inc, Part Time CFO services, York University, Rashid and Quinney professional Corporation, Mohawk College, University of Toronto, LEE LLP Lawyers, Sakkejha family
  • Gala supporters: Rami Accoumeh Photo and Film, GQ Multimedia, LGFG Fashion House, Jerome Photographer, Mike Hammer, Artage, Alisha Musil Photographer, Imagica, Rosedale Livery Limited

Media coverage by BK On the Scene

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!

Check the 2019 Gala photo gallery – 2019 Gallery

Check this article about the gala here: “The Pledge of Peace Renewed at the 7th Annual Daughters for Life Gala”

The 6th DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2018

Educational charity Daughters for Life Foundation hosted the 6th annual gala dinner to celebrate the spirit of learning and higher education for the daughters of the Middle East. Over 400 guests from top universities, and business houses in Canada, cultural and political leaders, artists, and scientists gathered to honor the inspirational scholars of the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL)at the ever elegant Carlu in downtown Toronto which has been the venue for the past four years.

Guests were warmly welcomed to a cocktail reception with hor’s d’ oeuvres and a live painting demonstration by visual artist Mike Hammer. You can also find, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, the founder of the Daughters for Life Foundation thanked and welcomed everyone personally.

Six passes to a delicious meal at Canada’s finest upscale restaurant Oliver and Bonacini was raffled and the exquisite painting by Mike Hammer was also put up for auction.

The Master of Ceremonies of the gala dinner was CP24’s reputed reporter and host, Cristina Tenaglia. She opened the evening by paying respects to the sacred land of the First Nations on whose traditional territory the gala was being held. A warm welcome was extended to the honorary chairs of the foundation.

As the Gala commenced, Dr. Abuelaish was invited on stage to take us back to the moment of inception of the Daughters for Life Foundation. Dr. Abuelaish began his remarks by condemning the recent Pittsburgh synagogue attack and offering his condolences to the innocent lives lost in the mass shooting.

After that rousing speech, it was time to spotlight the lifeline of Daughters for Life Foundation, the scholars. Fourteen of the brightest and talented scholars from Canada and the U.S. were present at the gala.

Maha Mehanna, a master’s degree Student studying Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at our partner Eastern Mennonite University in the U.S. received a standing ovation as she described the many odds that she overcame living in the open-air prison that she calls the Gaza strip. Maha said her dream was to improve the lives of women and girls in Palestine.

Cristina Tenaglia then opened up a group chat with five scholars on stage. Sahar Al Ahmad, Esraa Naguib, Safaa Zaoui, Passant Metwally, and Waad Hassan gave the audience a glimpse of their determination and ambition to complete their education as they confidently spoke in front of a rapt audience. In the confident voices of these five young women, we could hear their determination to lead their communities to a better future.

The heart-warming conversations with the DFL scholars were followed by the entertainment of the evening. Canadian singer, songwriter Amanda Martinez performed her joyous Latin jazz tunes as guests enjoyed a delectable dinner service. She was accompanied by guitarist Kevin Laliberté, Donné Roberts also on the guitar and vocals, and Percussionist Rosendo Chendy Leon.

Date: October 30, 2018

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

Luminary Award :

  • Life Trailblazer Luminary Award: Vera Baboun
  • Life Leadership Luminary Award: Dr. Michael Dan
  • Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award: Christiane Amanpour

VIP Guests:

  • Gala MC: Cristina Tenaglia
  • Special Guest: Dr. Douglas Kneale, Dr. Gervan Fearon, Dr. Susan Mumm, Mr. Daniel Giroux, Dr. Rhonda L. Lenton
    , Dr. James Orbinski, Mr. Abdullah Snobar, Dr. Thomas Miller, Dr. Roberta Bondar, Mr. Leslie Lewis Dan. Mr. Suleiman Rashid,
    Mr. David Palmer, Mr. Marcus Shantz, Ms. Tania Hakim, Dr. Anver Saloojee, Dr. Audrey Jamal, Ms. Allison Stewart
  • Meet Our Scholars: Sahar Al Ahmad, Esraa Naguib, Safaa Zaoui, Passant Metwally, and Waad Hassan

Entertainment:

  • Singer: Amanda Martinez
  • Guitarist: Kevin Laliberté, Donné Roberts
  • Percussionist: Rosendo Chendy Leon
  • Life Art: Mike Hammer

Sponsors:

  • Silver Sponsors:  University of Toronto, York University, University of Guelph, UBS Lee LLP Lawyers Salah Bachir & Jacob Yerex, The Boozary Family, The Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation
  • Gala supporters: DMZ Ryerson, Trent University, Mohawk College, The Toronto French School Rashid & Quinney Chartered Accountants

After the raffle winner was announced, it was time to bring the curtains down on a beautiful night of inspiration and empowerment. Gala chairs, Shatha Abuelaish and Dalal Abuelaish, read the closing remarks and thanked all members of the gala organizing committee, silver sponsors, in-kind sponsors, academic partners, volunteers, and DFL’s sole employee Jacklin Ibrahim for the untiring work and continued support they put in to achieve the foundation’s mission of promoting peace through the education of girls in the Middle East.

2018 Daughters for Life Gala Dinner Promotes the Message of Peace through Women’s Education

It was that time of the year when Canada comes together to celebrate the courage and indefatigable spirit of the daughters of Middle East. Educational charity Daughters for Life Foundation hosted its 6th annual gala dinner on October 30, 2018, to honour the achievements of all the young women whose lives have found new meaning with the gift of education.

At the elegant Carlu in downtown Toronto, over 400 guests from top universities, and business houses in Canada, cultural and political leaders, artists, and scientists gathered to toast the evening to the inspirational scholars of the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL).

Honorary chair Dr. Roberta Bondar, who is Canada’s first female astronaut and the first neurologist to enter space, graced the gala dinner. Another notable attendees were Leslie Lewis Dan, CM OOnt, the Canadian businessman and a pharmacist and the founder of the CANMAP – Canadian Medicine Aid Program and the MP Majid Jowhari, who represents the riding of Richmond Hill in the House of Commons of Canada.

Every year at the gala, the Daughters for Life Luminary Awards are presented. This year, journalism icon Christiane Amanpourwas given the Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award. The first female mayor of Bethlehem, Vera Baboun was presented the Trailblazer Luminary Award. And the leadership Luminary Award went to former neurosurgeon and philanthropist, Dr. Michael Dan.

A Dazzling Welcome Reception

Dressed in their finest, guests were welcomed to a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and a live painting demonstration by visual artist Mike Hammer. Beaming with pride, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, the founder of the Daughters for Life Foundation thanked and welcomed everyone personally.

Guests were invited to participate in a raffle with the prize being six passes to a delicious meal at Oliver and Bonacini. The painting by Mike Hammer was also put up for auction.

The cocktail reception had a festive ambience as the night’s honoured guests, this year’s Luminary Award recipients – Christiane Amanpour, Vera Baboun and Dr. Michael Dan, the foundation’s scholars, and invitees mingled and captured the occasion on the lenses of the many photographers. The fanfare for Christiane Amanpour was euphoric as she gracefully shook hands with eager guests and posed for countless photos.

Looking into the Future by Paying Respects to the Past

The Master of Ceremonies of the gala dinner was CP24’s reputed reporter and host, Cristina Tenaglia. She opened the evening by paying respects to the sacred land of the First Nations on whose traditional territory the gala was being held.

A warm welcome was extended to the honorary chairs of the foundation

Dr. Douglas Kneale
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Windsor		 Dr. Gervan Fearon
President and Vice-Chancellor
Brock University		 Dr. Susan Mumm
The principal of Brescia University College,
Canada’s only women’s University
Mr. Daniel Giroux
President of Collège Boréal		 Dr. Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor
York University		 Dr. James Orbinski
Professor and inaugural Director of York University’s
Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research
Mr. Abdullah Snobar
Executive Director of DMZ
Ryerson University		 Dr. Thomas Miller
Member of Trent University
Board of Governors		 Dr. Roberta Bondar
Canada’s first female astronaut
And the first neurologist in space
Mr. Leslie Lewis Dan
Founder of CANMAP
Canadian Medicine Aid Program		 Mr. Suleiman Rashid
Partner in Rashid & Quinney
Chartered Accountants Firm

Honored Guests were also acknowledged and welcomed

Mr. David Palmer
Vice President of Advancement
University of Toronto		 Mr. Marcus Shantz
President
University of Waterloo		 Ms. Tania Hakim
Project Officer for International Development
McMaster University
Dr. Anver Saloojee
Assistant Vice-President International Ryerson University		 Dr. Audrey Jamal
Chief of Staff
University of Guelph		 Ms. Allison Stewart
International Change Management Leader
Mohawk College

Many academic partners of the Daughters for Life Foundation attended the gala in support:

University of Windsor McMaster University Ryerson University
York University Brock University Brescia University College
Culture Works College Boreal Wilfred Laurier University

The foundation also expressed its deep gratitude to our gala Silver Sponsors:

University of Toronto York University University of Guelph
UBS Lee LLP Lawyers Salah Bachir & Jacob Yerex
The Boozary Family The Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation

The foundation is also ever grateful to its gala supporters:

DMZ Ryerson Trent University Mohawk College
The Toronto French School Rashid & Quinney Chartered Accountants

Founder’s Opening Remarks

As the gala commenced, Dr. Abuelaish was called on stage to take us back to the moment of inception of the Daughters for Life Foundation. Dr. Abuelaish began his remarks by condemning the recent Pittsburgh synagogue attack and offering his condolences to the innocent lives lost in the mass shooting.

“We bleed the same colour. We are all similar and equal. There is no reason to justify killing of human beings. In saving one, we save the world. It is time to speak out and condemn such brutal acts because of manmade hatred and political hate mongering,” said Dr. Abuelaish. “Daughters for Life believes that the antidote for hatred is education. Tragedy can’t be the end of our lives. We must not allow it to control or defeat us,” he added.

The Daughters for Life Foundation was established in 2010 in memory of Bessan, 20, Mayar, 15, and Aya, 13, Dr. Abuelaish’s three daughters, who were killed when an Israeli tank shelled their home in Gaza. The foundation honours their love for life and learning by awarding educational scholarships to talented young women from the Middle East regardless of their ethnicity. Since its establishment in 2010, Daughters for Life has impacted the lives of 55 scholars, 341 awardees and 5 fellows.

In a stirring speech, Dr. Abuelaish said, “As we celebrate the success of Daughters for Life Foundation, we prove that Bessan, Mayar and Aya are still alive. They are living through the success of these scholars. The spirit of our scholars keeps my daughters immortal.”

The banquet hall of the Carlu reverberated with applause as Dr. Abuelaish remarked, “For every successful man, there should be a successful woman as well. Women should not be standing behind a successful man. I fully believe establishing a safe, secure, just, and peaceful world is a function of women’s education.”

Scholars Spotlight

After that rousing speech, it was time to spotlight our Daughters for Life scholars. Fourteen of our talented scholars from Canada and the U.S. were present at the gala. A few of them joined the MC on stage to take us through their incredible journey of fighting discrimination, poverty, and violence to make their way to the top universities in the world with their sheer talent and grit.

Maha Mehanna, a master’s degree Student studying Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at our partner Eastern Mennonite University in the U.S. received a standing ovation as she described the many odds that she overcame living in the open-air prison that she calls the Gaza strip. Maha said her dream was to improve the lives of women and girls in Palestine.

Cristina Tenaglia then opened up a group chat with five scholars on stage. Sahar Al Ahmad, Esraa Naguib, Safaa Zaoui, Passant Metwally, and Waad Hassan gave the audience a glimpse of their determination and ambition to complete their education as they confidently spoke in front of a rapt audience. In the confident voices of these five young women, we could hear their determination to lead their communities to a better future

Esraa Naguib, who hails from Egypt, is today studying Foods and Nutritional Sciences at Brescia University College. She had the audience in rapt attention as she described her ambition to improve nutrition standards in Egypt to eradicate diseases. She urged women to stand up for their rights in the Middle East.

The ever-cheerful Sahar Al Ahmad left war-torn Syria in 2014. The brave young woman brushed off that tough period with a smile as she described her journey from being a refugee in Turkey to becoming a DFL scholar at Windsor University’s Environmental Engineering program. Sahar has amazed the foundation and her sponsors as she worked hard to improve her English score and earn an admission into her dream college. “I want to rebuild Syria. After what we lost, we need to stand with our country,” said Sahar.

English Literature and Creative Writing student Waad Hassan from Lebanon told the audience that she wants to become a teacher to empower others to share their stories. “Education is the only weapon you have to face any difficulties in life,” said the fourth-year undergraduate student.

Morocco’s Safaa Zaoui, a second-year undergraduate student of Computer Engineering at College Boreal said she is determined to become a computer programmer and feels especially motivated when she is told women can’t become programmers.

Egypt’s Passant Metwally is also studying computer engineering at Toronto’s York University. Passant said she is enjoying the entrepreneurship and business lessons she is receiving alongside her computer engineering program. Born with a speech disorder that makes her stutter, Passant used the moment and the platform to share with guests her personal story. The self-assured and eloquent Passant showed the courage to speak about her speech impairment, stating that stuttering was a factor of biology and not a lack of confidence. She said Dr. Abuelaish and the foundation saw a spark in her and gave wings to her dreams. Passant said she was encouraged by DFL to believe in herself and stay true to her vision of herself as a modern-day technology professional.

Gala Entertainment

The heart-warming conversations with the DFL scholars was followed by the entertainment of the evening. Canadian singer, songwriter Amanda Martinez performed her joyous Latin jazz tunes as guests enjoyed a delectable dinner service. She was accompanied by guitarist Kevin Laliberté, Donné Roberts also on the guitar and vocals, and Percussionist Rosendo Chendy Leon.

Daughters for Life Luminary Awards Presentation

Trailblazer Luminary Award.

Soon it was time for that part of the evening when the Luminary Awards were to be presented. For her significant work on gender issues, empowering women in the Arab world, and promoting their professional advancement – the first mayor of the city of Bethlehem – Vera Baboun was honoured with the Daughters for Life Trailblazer Luminary Award.

In an impassioned plea seeking global action for women’s education, Vera Baboun said, “these young women can lead the world tomorrow. Together we can lead nations to win peace rather than create conflict to win wars. This is what it means to empower women. And this is why I thank Dr. Abuelaish for giving hope to young women. Empowering a young woman strengthens a family, and that empowers an entire nation. We men and women were born to be sons and daughters of life. And for life. Not for destruction or conflict.”

Leadership Luminary Award

The evening progressed to the next honour of the night. The Daughters for Life Leadership Luminary Award was presented to Dr. Michael Dan, a leading philanthropist and a former neurosurgeon who is also the co-founding member of the foundation. Dr. Dan is dedicated to human rights, peace in the Middle East, and First Nations initiatives.

“Educating women and girls is a powerful public health intervention. Educated women raise smaller families and provide better for their families and communities. I am confident that our Daughters for Life scholars will one day have a huge impact throughout the Middle East and beyond as teachers, role models, leaders, and others. They will be engines of social progress and enlightenment. Eventually, it can even reach a tipping point. And the values of tolerance and inclusion will once again spread out from the Middle East towards the rest of the world as they did so powerfully 2000 years ago,” said Dr. Michael Dan.

Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award

The headlining name of the night was Christiane Amanpour, one of the most accomplished journalists in the world, who is known for her fearless and uncompromising reporting. She is a force to be reckoned with in journalism. From reporting from dangerous conflict zones to exclusive interviews with many history-makers, she has earned worldwide acclaim as a journalist. She was honoured with the Daughters for Life Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award

After receiving the award, Christane Amanpour spoke at length with the audience. She recalled the moment when she came across Dr. Abuelaish’s family story in 2009 and visited his tank-shelled apartment in Gaza as a journalist.

Sharing her admiration of the Daughters for Life scholars, she said, “it is just phenomenal when I hear these scholars. Each and every one of you speaks with such fluency in a language which is not your mother tongue, with such confidence after all that you have been through, with such energy and inspiring go-getterism from a part of the world where women’s rights are simply not equal rights. You are showing that this is going to be changed in your lifetime. And that you are the trailblazers. It is really inspiring to see and hear from you that without education there is no hope. Without hope there is no justice. And without hope there is frankly no life.”

Gala Co-Chairs Present Closing Remarks

After the raffle winner was announced, it was time to bring the curtains down on a beautiful night of inspiration and empowerment. Gala chairs, Shatha Abuelaish and Dalal Abuelaish, read the closing remarks and thanked all members of the gala organizing committee, silver sponsors, in-kind sponsors, academic partners, volunteers, and DFL’s sole employee Jacklin Ibrahim for the untiring work and continued support the

View the gallery

Media Coverage

CTV’s interview with the wonderful Christiane Amanpour (20:52)

We have received coverage from Snapd Downtown!

Dr. Abuelaish’s interview with Kate & Christine at What She Said Talk

Dr. Vera’s phone interview with L’Express Editor-in-Chief, François Bergeron

We have received coverage from The Star!

The 5th DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2017

The 5th Annual Daughters for Life Gala Dinner saw nearly 400 supporters gather at The Carlu in honour of the many wonderful milestones and successes that the Daughters for Life Foundation has achieved in the past year.

The evening began with a Cocktail Reception where guests were welcomed by the Founder, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish and the team behind Daughters for Life Foundation. With the music of DJ Marco Tellez in the backdrop, guests participated in a silent auction to raise money for the charity.

The Gala emcee was CP24’s Steve Anthony who charmed the guests with his wit and humour. Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation, and long time supporter of Daughters for Life, the Honourable Reza Moridi, delivered the opening remarks for the evening. The entertainment of the night featured performances by Lebanese-Canadian soprano Miriam Khalil and pianist Rachael Kerr.

Daughters for Life scholar and biology student at Wilfrid Laurier, Hiba Miari, delivered this year’s scholars speech. The event also included an on-stage panel discussion with other DFL scholars, moderated by Dr. James Orbinski, who is a globally recognized humanitarian practitioner and the former President of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders).

Two very inspiring women were honoured during the presentation of the Luminary Awards at the fifth annual gala: Canadian literary great, Margaret Atwood, received the Life Achievement Award and Canadian Olympic gold medalist, Penny Oleksiak, received the Trailblazer Award.

Date: November 17, 2017

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

Luminary Awards

  • Trailblazer Award: Penny Oleksiak
  • Life Achievement Award: Margaret Atwood

VIP Guests

  • Gala MC: Steve Anthony
  • Special Guest: Hon. Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation
  • Meet Our Scholars: Hiba Miari; Yousra Benradi, Ayaat Labbad, Eva Gorgy, Darah Al Shalabi, Mayar Tharowat and Eman Altabash interviewed by Dr. James Orbinski

Entertainment

  • Miriam Khalil, Lebanese-Canadian soprano
  • Rachael Kerr, pianist

Significant Events

  • Two new academic partners in Brescia and Ryerson
  • Expanded our partnership with Brock University

Sponsors

  • Gold Sponsors: Gomberg Mediation, DMZ
  • Silver Sponsors: University of Toronto, Spin Master, Lee LLP Lawyers, UBS
  • Gala Supporters: York University, Trent University, Brock University, Ryerson University, University of Guelph, McMaster University, University of Windsor, Mohawk College, Centennial College, ILAC, Culture Works, Rashid & Quinney, iSX, PanEx Travels & Tours, Regulus Investments, Juno Fertility, Royal Synergies Collision
  • In-Kind Sponsors: One King West Hotel, Mocelle Edan, Jerome Photographer, Rosedale Livery, Ana Pascos Photography, Paul Hahn & Co., Amour Fragrances, Aqua Medical Spa, Asad Rahman Photography, Rami Accoumeh, Clinique, Dr. Danis and Family, LGFG Fashion House, Peter Hill, Penguin Random House

An Unforgettable Evening… The 5th Daughters for Life Gala Dinner 2017

The elegant, The Carlu in the heart of Downtown Toronto saw nearly 400 proud supporters of the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) come together for the 5th Daughters for Life Gala Dinner on 17th November 2017. The Gala Dinner was held in honour of the many wonderful milestones and successes that the Daughters for Life Foundation has achieved in the past year.

A Cocktail Reception

The evening began with a Cocktail Reception inside The Carlu’s hisoric premises where guests were welcomed by the Founder, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish and the team behind Daughters for Life Foundation. With a ‘Photo Opportunity’ at a Media Wall and a delectable array of food and drinks, guests mingled with each other and the special honorees of the night. With the music of DJ Marco Tellez in the backdrop, guests participated in a silent auction to raise money for the charity.

Minister Reza Moridi Opens 2017 DFL Gala

The Gala emcee was CP24’s Steve Anthony who charmed the guests with his wit and humour. The formal sit-down Gala Dinner commenced when Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation, the Honourable Reza Moridi delivered the opening remarks. A long-time supporter of Daughters for Life Foundation, Minister Moridi said in his speech:

“A strong, educated woman is a powerful force for peace. And the world will not be a just and fair place until everyone has a chance to fulfill their dreams. Together we can make a difference. Canada has committed to increasing its STEM graduates to 50,000 in the next five years. And we are working to overcome the historical barriers to women’s education. Dr. Abuelaish’s legacy is an inspiration. Thank you, Dr. Abuelaish. You are truly the light in the darkness.”

There was strong representation from DFL’s academic/scholarship partners at the Gala Dinner like Ryerson University, Brock University, York University, McMaster University, Wilfrid Laurier University, College Boreal, Brescia University College, CultureWorks and the International Language Academy of Canada.

The entertainment of the evening featured performances by Lebanese-Canadian soprano Miriam Khalil and pianist Rachael Kerr. Miriam left the gathering spellbound with her soulful rendition of Gibran Khalil Gibran’s poem ‘Aatini el Naya wa Ghanni’, which is interpreted as “Give me the flute and sing”.

The annual Daughters for Gala Dinner is a moment for the foundation to pause and applaud the brilliant young women from the Middle East who have excelled beyond the scope of the scholarships they were awarded to become skilled, empowered women who are in charge of their destiny. Over the past seven years since the inception of Daughters for Life Foundation, we have helped nearly 400 young women from the Middle East complete their higher education. One such success story, DFL scholar Hiba Miari delivered this year’s scholars speech.

DFL Scholar Hiba, a 3rd year Biology student at Wilfrid Laurier University, a future scientist and a soccer player received a standing ovation for her powerful words. She said, “I am what I work hard to achieve. I prefer to be judged for my education rather than my sex and my family name. Education is the most peaceful fight against injustice and the most rewarding investment. When you educate a female, you educate an entire society.”

The event progressed on to an on-stage panel discussion with other DFL scholars, moderated by Dr. James Orbinski, who is a globally recognized humanitarian practitioner and the former President of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders). Yousra Benradi, Ayaat Labbad, Eva Gorgy, Darah Al Shalabi, Mayar Tharowat and Eman Altabash shared with the audience the impact of the DFL scholarship on their lives.

“This scholarship is like a gift,” said Ayaat who overcame the hardship of leaving her home in Syria and surviving as a refugee for five years before she was selected by the Daughters for Life Scholarship program. Yousra from Morocco spoke of how the DFL scholarship, “has opened many doors” for her and has given her “hope and a new vision for the future.” Studying Physics at Wilfrid Laurier University, Mayar shared how she founded the college’s first robotics club. And that she was “proud to be a female in the STEM field.” The panel discussion with the DFL scholars concluded with thundering applause from the audience.

The Luminary Awards Presentation

It was now time for the Daughters for Life Luminary Awards, which the foundation has instituted in memory of Bessan, Mayar and Aya Abuelaish. The Luminary Awards go to individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting the rights of girls and women around the world.

Canada’s youngest Olympic Gold medalist, Penny Oleksiak was presented the Trailblazer Luminary Award. Humbled by the honour, Oleksiak said that “just like sports, knowledge should also cross borders.” She urged the audience to “work together to make this global village a better place for everyone.”

Accepting the Luminary Award, Atwood said in her speech, “An educated woman can make informed choices about health, nutrition, environment. An educated woman is a benefit to societies. More educated girls mean more female leaders, lower population growth and slower climate change. Women have an undeniable impact on the GDP of an economy. They reduce poverty and infant mortality. Why would a sensible country not invest in women’s education? Educated women lead change.”

With Ms. Atwood’s birthday just a day after the DFL Gala night, the foundation members surprised her with a birthday cake on stage and soprano Miriam Khalil sang her ‘Happy Birthday’ in her melodious voice to a standing crowd. It was a beautiful moment that had the audience break into a long applause.

Gala Chair and Board Member Bogumila Lapinski Anaya closed the 2017 DFL Gala Dinner by thanking all the sponsors and partners for their support.

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OTHER EVENTS

DFL WASHINGTON GALA 2017

The Daughters for Life Foundation — in collaboration with Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding — hosted a gala in Washington DC to celebrate women who are pioneers and role models for young girls in challenging circumstances.

Proceeds from the event went directly to scholarships at EMU so other promising females can reach their dreams.

The honorees were Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize winner and EMU graduate; Ronit Avni, a Peabody Award-winning social entrepreneur and media producer; and Suhad Babaa, the executive director at Just Vision, an organization dedicated to increasing media coverage and support for Palestinian and Israeli grassroots leaders working for peace.

Date: September 16, 2017

Location: Busboys and Poets, Washington, D.C.

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The 4th DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2016

The theme of Daughters for Life’s fourth annual gala dinner was, as always, to honor individuals who have devoted their lives to advancing the rights of girls and women around the world. Powerful personalities from the governmental and academic spheres along with activists and artists came together to help Daughters for Life raise more than C$100,000 in funds.

Malala Yousafzai, global icon for women’s education and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, was honoured with the Courage and Inspiration Luminary Award. Her parents received the award on her behalf. First Nations author, broadcaster and, playwright Maria Campbell was presented with the Trailblazer Luminary Award. Ms. Campbell strongly advocates the rights of Aboriginal girls and women in Canada. For the first time, the Life Achievement Luminary Award went to a couple, Michele Landsberg and Stephen Lewis, their tireless work in social justice and advocacy for women and children.

Renowned radio personality Erin Davis was a memorable presence at the Gala as the host for the night, as was the Guest of Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, OC, OOnt. The Mayor of Toronto, John Tory was another a key figure from the Canadian Government at the Gala that evening.

Israeli journalist Shlomi Eldar presided as the special guest and shared his thoughts on the power of education in promoting peace. Stephen Miles, the Provost of the New College of Florida, shared how rewarding it has been for their institution to host young female scholars from the Middle East in partnership with the Foundation.

The fourth annual gala also celebrated and recognized the success of our Daughters for Life Scholar Loureen Sayej, who had successfully graduated NFC. Finally, teen social activist Hannah Alper brought the evening to a inspirational close, speaking passionately about her experience as an activist and how role models like Malala inspire her to speak up for the voiceless. Other highlights of the evening were an aerial art and circus performance, and a live auction.

Date: May 25, 2016

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

Luminary Awards

  • Courage and Inspiration Award: Malala Yousafzai
  • Trailblazer Award: Maria Campbell
  • Life Achievement Award: Michele Landsberg and Stephen Lewis

VIP Guests

  • Gala MC: Erin Davis
  • Guest of Honour: The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, OC, OOnt
  • Special Guest: Shlomi Elder interviewed by Louise Dennys, Hannah Alper – The Voice of Young Girls Matters
  • Meet Our Scholar: Loureen Sayej, introduced by Dr. Stephen Miles, Provost, New College of Florida

Entertainment

  • Music by the Royal Conservatory (Violinists Julia Pandolfo, Lynn Sue-A-Quan)
  • Aerial Art and Circus Performance by Lookup Theatre (Angola Murdoch, Holly Treddenick)

Sponsors

  • Premier Host and Sponsor: ILAC
  • Platinum Sponsor: Indigo
  • Gold Sponsors: Gomberg Mediation, Dr. Michael Dan and Dr. Amira Dan
  • Silver Sponsors: Spin Master, Lee LLP Lawyers, Rashid & Quinney
  • Community Sponsors: Beneplan, Knapp Wealth Management, Rubach & Associates, Stephen Lewis Secondary School, Trent University, Ryerson University, Mohawk College, English Testing Canada Ltd.
  • In-Kind Sponsors: PanEx Travels & Tours, Berries & Blooms, Lookup Theatre, Al Watan, Tag No. 5 Vodka, GQ Multimedia, Asad Rahman Photography, Rosedale Livery, Ami Accoumeh Photo & Film, The Royal Conservatory
  • Auction Sponsors: Aqua Medical Spa, Amour Boutique, Clinique, Jerome Photographer, Cheese Boutique, Luma

A Night for Peace and Inspiration!

The Fourth Daughters for Life Gala Dinner 2016…. A Night for Peace and Inspiration!

On Wednesday, May 25th, 2016, The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) has held its Fourth Annual Gala at the Carlu. The gala had an excessive success as both a night to celebrate the achievements of a group of inspirational activists and DFL scholars, but also as a phenomenal fundraiser. Thanks to all those who attended, DFL has raised thousands in support of our educational programs to help send young women in the Middle East to achieve the higher level education.

The gala included work of a number of  Canada’s most talented artists like Charles Pachter, Barbara McGivern, and Mike Hammer, whose decorative piece, Chroma, served as a highlight of the cocktail reception along with the talented violin duo of the Royal Conservatory.

Not inconsequentially, the master of ceremonies for the event was Toronto media personality Erin Davis, the host of 98.1’s The Morning Show, who acknowledged during the evening’s festivities that earlier this month was the first anniversary of the sudden passing of her own daughter. Erin Davis started off the night by introducing The Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor, who set the tone of the gala with her moving opening remarks.

Guests were taken on an emotional and evocative journey during the poignant discussion between journalist ShlomiEldar , who was the first to be called by DFL founder Dr. Abuelaish after the tragic deaths of his daughters and niece, and executive publisher and vice President of Penguin Publishing House, Louise Dennys.

Following a spectacular aerial show by Angola Murdoch and Holly Treddenick from Lookup Theatre and a powerful speech about a partnership between DFL and NCF by Stephen Miles, our 2016 scholar came to the stage.

Loureen Sayej graduated through our scholarship this year and spoke about her experience with DFL and how her education has fueled her ambitions. After ILAC spokesmen, Jonathan Kolber delivered his speech, Milena Protich livened up the audience with an invigorating live auction.

The evening ended with the highlights of the gala, the honoring of this year’s three Luminary awardees. For the first time, a couple, Michele Landsberg and her husband, Stephen Lewis were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Luminary award. Michelle, in her brief address, made one comment that resonated deeply. She said, “Those who have lost the most give back the most.”

Ziauddin and Tor Pekai Yousafzai, the parents of 2014 Nobel Peace Prize award winner, Malala Yousafzai, accepted an honour on behalf of their daughter. Malala would have attended in person had it not been for her exams, but the world’s supreme campaigner for the education of girls could not skip out of an exam merely to be feted in Toronto.

Malala’s Yousafzai got awarded the Courage and Inspiration Luminary Award which was received by her parents on her behalf while also sending a thank you video of herself to be shown during the awards ceremony. Ziauddin Yousafzai spoke so eloquently, passionately and skilfully. He concluded his remarks by declaring, “the greatest gift to peace in the world was through the education of women”.

Finally, Maria Campbell was awarded the Trailblazer Luminary award. She was presented her award by Roberta Jamieson, the Canadian lawyer and First Nations activist. Maria has addressed a deep acceptance speech and “Thank you” note.

To wrap up a wonderful night, teen social activist Hannah Alper spoke, impassioned, about her experiences as an activist and her role models, like Malala, who inspire her to keep speaking for the voiceless.

Shatha Abuelaish formally ended the gala with gratitude to our sponsors and guests. We celebrated the night with over 390 guests who celebrated our scholars and awardees as well as our vision for peace and gender equality in education in the Middle East and worldwide.

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The 3rd DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2014

The third annual gala dinner featured live entertainment, an auction and honoured three remarkable women with the inauguration of the Luminary Awards. Dr. Roberta Bondar was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding career achievements as a pioneering astronaut and for promoting the professional advancement of women in neurology. The Trailblazer Award was presented to Captain Aysha Al Hamili for her work as a pioneering pilot and diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. The recipient of the Industry Award was Lisa LaFlamme, CTV News’ Chief Anchor and Senior Editor.

Daughters for Life also celebrated the graduation of our scholar Yosra Albakkar that evening. Yosra fulfilled her dream of studying economics at Trent University and was the first scholar to graduate from higher education with the help of Daughters for Life.

Date: May 28, 2014

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

Luminary Awards

  • Trailblazer Award: Captain Aysha Al Hamili
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Roberta Bondar
  • Industry Luminary Award: Lisa Laflamme

VIP Guests

  • Gala MC: Omar Sachedina
  • Meet Our Scholar: Yosra Albakkar, first DFL Scholar to graduate from Canada

Significant Events

  • The Luminary Awards were launched

Sponsors

  • Diamond Sponsor: ILAC
  • Gold Sponsors: Gomberg Mediation Solutions, The Boozary Family, Indigo, Jana Laboratories, Drs. Amira & Michael Dan
  • Silver Sponsors: The Sakkejha Family
  • Bronze Sponsors: College Boreal, BMO, Trent University, Ryerson University, New College of Florida, Cineplex Media, Lee LLP Lawyers, Spin Master, Axis, Rashid & Quinney
  • In-Kind Sponsors: The Royal Conservatory, Toronto Event Auctioneers, Conrad Ferguson & Associates, Quince Flowers, GQ Multimedia, Aljaleya Media, Monika & Vishaan Sumra, Stephen Weir, Peter Hill, Abdul-Hadi Shala, Jamelieh Hassan

Daughters For Life Honours Three Remarkable Women

The magical, memorable Daughters For Life Third Annual Gala was an overwhelming success– both in raising funds for the Foundation’s important educational work and raising its profile in the community.

On Wednesday, May 28, 1014, night the annual Daughters for Life Gala took place at The Carlu in Toronto, featuring live entertainment, an auction and celebrating the first young scholars and honouring three remarkable women who have made a difference in the world.

Dalal and Shatha Abuelaish spoke of their sisters starting the evening off and their hopes of peace. Their emotional speech gave a deep meaning to how important Daughters for Life truly is for their homeland and for the healing of their family. Their father Dr. Izzeldin Abuslaish spoke after, clearly touched by his children’s words, with pride of his surviving daughters and with love for the three girls that live on in his heart.

Daughters for Life honoured the internationally renowned Canadian astronaut and neurologist, Dr. Roberta Bondar, an Officer of the Order of Canada with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and present her with The Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award in recognition of her outstanding career achievements as a pioneering astronaut and for promoting the professional advancement of women in neurology. Bondar said before getting her award that one of the things she took from her trip into space was viewing the Earth as it really is, not an Imax version or a 2-dimensional image, and how breathtaking the planet really is.

The Trailblazer Luminary Award was presented to Captain Aysha Al Hamili for her work as a pioneering pilot and diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. She became the first female pilot at the age of 16 and is the first woman to be named to the Diplomatic Mission of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Hamili said of the award that she believes that this is a start of the things to come.

This year’s inaugural Industry Luminary Award is Ms Lisa LaFlamme, CTV News’ Chief Anchor and Senior Editor. Ms. LaFlamme is a decorated Canadian who has won several Radio-Television News Directors Awards, the Distinguished Canadian award from the University of Ottawa, and most recently was named the best national news anchor at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards. LaFlamme spoke of her travels to the Middle East and seeing how education or a lack of education makes the difference in the lives of girls and women.

Yosra Albakkar has fulfilled her dream of studying economics at Trent University. She is the first women to graduate from higher education as a result of Daughters for Life. “I often think of the thousands of young women in the Middle East who, despite hardship, are dreaming of a better life. I want to be a role model for the girls of Gaza, who can make their dreams come true through education. I want to help make the dream of a peaceful, strong future come true.”

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The 2nd DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2013

The second annual gala dinner for Daughter’s for Life was an evening of celebrating women “firsts”. Yosra Albakkar and Hadeel Baraka, the first two young women to arrive in Canada from the Middle East on full scholarships, spoke movingly at the gala about how Daughters for Life helped to make their dreams come true. The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first African Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada introduced the special guest The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, the first woman Premier of Ontario.

The first Daughters for Life Leadership Award was presented to Roberta Jamieson, CEO of Indspire and the first First Nations woman to earn a law degree, the first female Ombudsman of Ontario; and the first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. In attendance was The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, the first Canadian from a visible minority to be appointed Governor General of Canada.

Suhana Meharchand, the acclaimed co-host of of CBC News Now, led the evening as MC. The fundraising Gala featured a live art auction curated by leading Canadian artist Charles Pachter, who also served as a spirited auctioneer. Over 360 guests came to celebrate and support the vision and work of the Foundation with the proceeds going towards DFL’s scholarship, fellowship and awards programs that help young women achieve their educational goals.

Date: May 28, 2013

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

VIP Guests

  • Gala MC: Suhana Meharchand
  • Special Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario; Jean Augustine, the first African Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada
  • Meet Our Scholars: Yosra Albakkar and Hadeel Baraka, first two young women to arrive in Canada from the Middle East on full scholarship

Awards

  • Daughters for Life Leadership Award: Roberta Jamieson, CEO and President of Indspire

Entertainment

  • Middle Eastern Music Ensemble
  • Live Art Auction, curated by Charles Pachter

Sponsors

  • Platinum Sponsor: ILAC
  • Gold Sponsors: BMO, The Boozary Family, Gomberg Mediation Solutions, Jana Laboratories
  • Silver Sponsors: Beneplan, Drs. Amira and Michael Dan, Lee LLP Lawyers
  • Bronze Sponsors: Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Cineplex Media, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – University of Toronto, Department of Family & Community Medicine – University of Toronto, ILAC, Rashid & Quinney Chartered Accountants, Ryerson University, The Sandra Rotman Centre, Torys LLP, Trent University, Walied and Deena Soliman
  • In-Kind Sponsors: Asad Rahman Photography, Bassett Productions, b.h. Yael, Canadian-Arab Institute, CoursePeer, Andrea Hall, Hindy Abelson Consulting, Darina Lana, Chris Laxton, MIAmultimedia, Antoine Moonen, Charles Pachter OC, Quince Flowers, Stephanie Traplin

Second Annual Daughters for Life Gala an Evening to Remember!

The Daughters For Life Second Annual Gala was an overwhelming success – both in raising funds for the Foundation’s important educational work and consolidating its standing in the community.

It was also a stunning evening of celebrating women “firsts”. Yosra Albakkar and Hadeel Baraka, the first two young women to arrive in Canada from the Middle East on full scholarships, spoke movingly at the gala about how Daughters for Life is helping to make their dreams come true. The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first African Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada and subsequently the first black woman in a federal Cabinet and Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner, introduced the special guest The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, the first woman Premier of Ontario. Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, as Founder of The Daughters For life Foundation, presented the First Daughters for Life Leadership Award to Roberta Jamieson, CEO of Indspire and the first First Nations woman to earn a law degree; the first non-parliamentarian appointed an ex-officio member of a House of Commons Committee; the first woman Ombudsman of Ontario; and in December 2001, the first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. In attendance was The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, the first Canadian from a visible minority to be appointed Governor General of Canada.

Suhana Meharchand, the acclaimed co-host of of CBC News Now, led the evening as MC. The fundraising Gala featured a live art auction curated by leading Canadian artist Charles Pachter, who also served as a spirited auctioneer. It showcased a dazzling cross section of top Canadian painters in honour of the Foundation’s mission to develop the leadership potential of young women through the power of education. Participating artists included Jamelie Hassan, Diana Thorneycroft, Barbara McGivern, Marilyn Lighstone, Kathryn Bemrose, Huma Durrani, Victor Mitic and Ryan Dineen.

On hand to celebrate the success of Daughters for Life was The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation; Gerry Schwartz, Chairman of Onex Corporation; Salah Bachir, President of Cineplex Media; author Marci McDonald; novelist Katherine Govier; The Hon. Madame Justice Harriet Sachs; and Krystyne Griffin of the Griffin Poetry Prize. Over 360 guests came to celebrate and support the vision and work of the Foundation, which is breaking new ground in its mandate and scholarship programs work to provide girls, struggling with conflict and hardship in the Middle East, opportunities for higher education, regardless of religious or national affiliations. The proceeds from the night’s successful event go to DFL’s scholarship, fellowship and awards programs that help young women achieve their educational goals.

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OTHER EVENTS

DFL HONG KONG GALA 2013

The Hong Kong Gala Dinner included a keynote address by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Founder and President of the Daughters for Life Foundation and a very lively silent auction. The notable works auctioned were a selection of colorful self-portraits by Palestinian children.

Date: May 15, 2013

Location: Aberdeen Marina Club, Hong Kong

Intimate talk and dinner to benefit Daughters for Life.

It is our great pleasure to announce the first Middle East Fundraiser to benefit the Daughters for Life Foundation established by Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish.

View brochure here

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The 1st DFL ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2012  

The magical, memorable Daughters for Life First Annual Gala was an overwhelming success– both in raising funds for the Foundation’s important educational work and raising its profile in the community. It took place after three years after its founder, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, suffered the devastating loss of his three daughters in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Over 300 guests came to celebrate and support the vision and work of the Foundation, which is breaking new ground in its mandate to offer girls, struggling with conflict and hardship in the Middle East, opportunities for higher education, regardless of religious or national affiliations.

The memorable evening was led by Carol Off, acclaimed co-host of CBC’s As It Happens, and featured guest speakers Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president of Trent University, and Jonathan Kolber, executive director of ILAC. Christiane Amanpour, award-winning global journalist, also delivered a moving speech to the audience via video. Over 10 stellar musicians, filmmakers, poets and songwriters volunteered their time and talents and skills to the programme, including Toronto poet Joseph Maviglia, and virtuoso oud and violin player Simon Shaheen. DFL also proudly to announced new scholarship initiatives at the first annual gala, including joint programs with Humber College and Trent University.

The proceeds from the night’s successful event go to DFL’s scholarship, fellowship and awards programs that help young women achieve their educational goals.

Date: May 29, 2012

Location: The Carlu, Toronto

VIP Guests

  • Gala MC: Carol Off, co-host of CBC’s As It Happens
  • Special Guests: Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president of Trent University; Jonathan Kolber, executive director of the International Language Academy of Canada; Christiane Amanpour (via video), award-winning global journalist

Entertainment

  • Simon Shaheen, virtuoso oud and violin player
  • Joseph Maviglia, acclaimed poet and singer-songwriter
  • Peter Katz, singer-songwriter, composer of Forgiveness, 2012 Juno nominee
  • The Arabesque Music Ensemble
  • All-female string quartet from the Glenn Gould School, the Royal Conservatory

Significant Events

  • New scholarship initiatives within Canada announced at the gala, including joint programs with Trent University and Humber College

Sponsors

  • Reception Sponsor: ILAC
  • Gold Sponsors: Najla and Mohammad Al Zaibak, The Boozary Family, Indigo
  • Silver Sponsors: Beneplan, BMO, Drs. Amira and Michael Dan, Faculty of Medicine – University of Toronto, Frank K. Gomberg, Lee LLP Lawyers
  • Bronze Sponsors: Friends of Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto, The Kahanoff Foundation, The Kololian Family, OneCAD Solutions, The Pace Family Foundation, deena and Walied Soliman, Trent University
  • In-Kind Sponsors: Asad Rahman Photography, b.h. Yael – DFL Video Director (crew: Chris Laxton & Adrienne Grossman), Drs. Amira and Michael Dan, Milena Protich JD LLM, Quince Flowers, Random House, Rain Angel Music, The Royal Conservatory, Trent University

Nobel Peace Prize Nominee to Speak at First Annual Daughters For Life Gala

May 29, 2012, Toronto

A distinguished line-up of speakers, headlined by 2012 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, will help the Daughters For Life Foundation launch its first annual gala on Tuesday, May 29. The event, to be held at The Carlu at 444 Yonge Street in Toronto, will showcase the Foundation’s important work to improve the lives of girls and young women in the Middle East, in collaboration with Trent University, ILAC and Humber College.

The Daughters For Life Foundation is a Canadian charity founded by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish in 2010. Widely respected as “the Gaza doctor,” working within Palestine and Israel, Dr. Abuelaish lost three of his daughters and his niece, killed during a 2009 Israeli attack on Gaza. Rather than seeking revenge, Dr. Abuelaish has dedicated his life to promoting peace in the Middle East. His book, I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey, has been acclaimed around the world.

The Daughters for Life Foundation, believes that empowering young women through education is essential to building lasting peace in the Middle East. The Foundation provides aspiring girls and young women with awards and scholarships to help them advance their education and so develop strong voices for improving life in the conflict-torn area. In 2011, the Foundation presented its first awards to young women studying in the fields of medicine, law, business administration and journalism. New scholarship initiatives within Canada will be announced at the gala, including joint programs with Trent University and Humber College.

Carol Off, host of CBC’s As it Happens, is the gala’s emcee. Speakers include Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president of Trent University; Jonathan Kolber, executive director of the International Language Academy of Canada; Christiane Amanpour, award-winning global journalist, who will speak by video. Several globally renowned performers will celebrate the Foundation’s goals and achievements, including Simon Shaheen, virtuoso oud and violin player; Joseph Maviglia, acclaimed poet and singer-songwriter; Peter Katz, singer-songwriter, composer of Forgiveness, 2012 Juno nominee; the Arabesque Music Ensemble; and an all-female string quartet from the Glenn Gould School, the Royal Conservatory.”

THANK YOU LETTER from Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, MD, MPH, Founder and President

Dear Friends,

On behalf of The Daughters For Life Foundation Board, I want to thank you personally for participating in our First Annual Gala. It was such a very special evening for me and my family, and, I hope, for you. You made it a magical and beautiful evening by your participation.

And thanks to all of you-our brilliantly talented participants who volunteered their time and talent, and our loyal and generous sponsors– it was a great success, both in raising money for our scholarship and awards programs and in bringing together many good friends to the Foundation.

Our First Annual Gala – and all of you who were there that night – will never to be forgotten. My children too will hold it in their hearts, especially my daughters Dalal and Shatha, who worked so hard alongside the Board to make the evening a success. To our educational and academic sponsors and our major donors-and their names are proudly placed on our website here-I am deeply grateful. A few of you have been with us from the very start: you play such an important role.

The evening was so richly filled with great musical and poetic talent. It lived up to our hope that it would bring together old friends and supporters with new and future supporters of our goals, which are ambitious but sound and attainable. So to every single one of you at last Tuesday’s gala, I give thanks for so generously supporting this important work, and helping to change the conflicted world we live in.

It has been an amazing year for the Foundation. We have made huge steps forward and I continue to be humbled by the level of support we receive. Last year, the first DFL awards were successfully presented to 23 young women studying in the areas of medicine, business administration, law and journalism. This year we look forward to increasing the number of awards recipients and to implementing our joint scholarship programs with the International Language Academy of Canada, Humber College and Trent University.

In the next five years we’ll be actively working to grow our existing programs as well as to forming strong new partnerships with leading Canadian academic institutions and educational organizations across the country. With your continued support, I am confident we will achieve our goals.

I believe our shared vision is a vital, important one, and it was wonderful to be with you last Tuesday as it becomes a reality. But the evening could not have been the success that it was without your participation. You are an important part of our growing family, which includes the girls receiving awards now in the Middle East, and the girls shortly arriving in Canada on the scholarships. I hope you will remain part of our family for many years.

Thank you and I am deeply grateful for your support.

Izzeldin Abuelaish

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GET INVOLVED

Many factors in the Middle East can make education for young women very difficult. But with your donation, we can help many talented women, access the best education possible. We believe that investing in young women’s education is the key to long lasting peace and better future for all of us.

Your donation will change many girls’ lives

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