The annual gala benefit dinners, organized by Friends of the Encyclopædia Iranica, are becoming a feature of our fundraising activities. The first gala was held in New York in 1991, followed by five more galas in 1992& 1999, a gala in Washington D.C. in 2001, Los Angeles on March 9, 2002, a gala in Miami 2003, London and Houston 2004.

Following the successful fundraiser for the victims of the Bam earthquake organized by the Naghavi family with the support of Dr. and Mrs. Mohammad Farivar last March, Dr. Azita Khan Naghavi has organized a benefit dinner for the Encyclopædia Iranica at the luxurious Garden City Hotel, Garden City, Long Island, on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 7 p.m. At this gala for the first time, such groups of distinguished honorees have been gathered that have achieved the highest level of excellence in their respective fields. These distinguished individuals have kept the "Everlasting Fire" to excel in a new land.
Mrs. Homa Sarshar will be the Master of Ceremonies and six distinguished Iranian-Americans will be honored. The program will also feature the Persian vocalist, Ms. Shahla Sarshar.

For information, please contact the Center for Iranian Studies at (212) 851-5723. Donations and/or items for auction will be gratefully accepted. Please address inquires to Dr. Azita Khan Naghavi at (616) 626-9303 or (516) 526-4032.