You will not want to miss this year's "Fun Raiser", on Friday, May 27th, at the Veteran's Hall in Lafayette. I will report on our upcoming trip to Afghanistan. How can anyone justify burning the Koran, knowing what we know? As if Nabi and I didn't have enough to contend with. Not to worry. I can blend.  Nabi is being fitted for a burqa. 

       The fun raiser will also afford me an opportunity to provide a summary of the past eight years. I will discuss many experiences, I've not shared publicly before, including what has worked and hasn't. This will be an on the ground report, with the surface layers pulled back.  

      We've been extremely fortunate to have had author Khaled Hosseini, Ambassador Jawad,and comedian, Mark Lundholm as featured guests at previous fun raisers. The events have been "informative, inspiring, and fun".  This year's will be no exception. In fact it will also be magical, literally. 

       The program will begin with a performance by comedian and illusionist extraordinaire, Patrick Martin. I saw Patrick perform over a year and a half ago. Ever since, I've wanted to include Patrick's magic and sense of humor in one of our events. It's happening!!!!  Patrick is a must see and hear -- a stand alone reason for coming -- money back guarantee!!!!   

Want further validation?  Below are a few excerpts from Patrick's bio:

1. He has performed at the White House for three administrations.

2. He has entertained at private parties for Jack Nicholson, 1st Lady Michelle Obama, Sir Richard Branson and Muhammad Ali.

3. His clients include Google, Apple, The Salle Garnier Opera House in Monte Carlo, and Wynn Las Vegas.

4. He made magical history by winning two "Grand Prix Awards" at an International Symposium of Magic held at Hollywood's Coconut Grove. This was a first, and has yet to be repeated.

5. David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, Chris Angel and David Blaine have consulted with Patrick in developing magic for television specials.

7. When the San Francisco 49ers needed a visual finale to climax a Monday Night Football televised half-time show, Martin designed an illusion that vanished their costumed mascot "Huddles" in a puff of smoke, and then had Huddles suddenly reappear by flying over the heads of the 60,000 cheering fans.

Check him out by visiting his website.   (link)

     Extensive hors d'oeuvres are again being donated and served by Nazifa Sidiq and her family, who own Bolani (East/West Gourmet Afghan Food). Bolani's food has become so popular, it is now being introduced in several Costco stores, where they recently broke a Costco record ($56,000 in one week!)

     If you know you can attend, purchase tickets early. This announcement is first going out to our newsletter list. These events provide an opportunity for supporters to "meet and confer", to show our appreciation, and most importantly, to have fun.   

Budd

Date:  May 27th

Place: Veteran's Memorial Building

Address: 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, California 94549

Time:  6:00 - 7:30 complimentary wine and hors d'oevres

          7:00 pm - 9:15 pm  program   

Cost:  Adult $60

          Students $30  

TO PURCHASE TICKETS -- CLICK HERE