Gala 2004 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 and a gala in Miami 2003. They all had excellent programs, large attendance and splendid results.  This year’s theme is ‘Fueling the Future’ and the event will be held in Houston at the River Oaks Country Club on Saturday, November13, 2004. Many distinguished guests from a variety of fields, in particular oil and gas, will be in attendance.  Several prominent Iranian-Americans who have excelled in the field of energy will be honored.  This is the first time such an event of this magnitude is being held in Houston by the Iranian-American community. It is an excellent opportunity to meet key players involved in the field of energy from across the world. The gala is sponsored by a number of notable and generous Iranian supporters of the Encyclopædia Iranica.  We cordially invite everyone from across America or abroad to join us to celebrate and support this monumental project.  We encourage you to participate, make donations, and offer items of value for auction on the night of the gala. You will have a great time, meet new people and promote a wonderful and noteworthy cause. The Executive and Gala Committee Lily Kooros and Ali Saberioon (Co-Chairs)