On December 9, 2017, the Albanian American Women’s Organization “Motrat Qirjazi” (AAWO) held its traditional end-of-year holiday celebration and fundraising event attended by over 100 members and guests.
In her welcoming remarks, AAWO President Beti Beno, Esq., acknowledged the AAWO board, volunteers and members for their relentless support to the organization throughout the year. Ms. Beno made a presentation of all the events AAWO organized during 2017, highlighting a women wellness workshop lectured by Dr. Zana Dobroshi and other contributors.
Ms. Beno also outlined the causes the AAWO contributed to this past year, including, autism in Kosovo, the tragic floods in Florida, and several serious medical and other humanitarian cases. Most notably, AAWO contributed in-kind medical support and funds for the treatment of a recent Albanian immigrant diagnosed with cancer, the medical fund for multiple surgeries for an Albanian American baby boy born with disabilities, and the treatment fund for an Albanian child battling cancer totaling $8,800.00.
AAWO continued to contribute its scholarship program, enabling a Kosova student to study at the Minnesota State University through a contribution of $ 6,500 in tuition fees and other expenses.
Ms. Beno also thanked Albanian Culture TV for recognizing the work of AAWO through the years with a special award earlier this year.
Ms. Beno noted that a community can only be as strong as its weakest member and invited members to continue contributing to the community in any way they can as they step into the New Year.
During brief remarks, the evening’s special guest Kosovo Ambassador to the U.S. Teuta Sahatcija thanked AAWO for its work in support of the Albanian American community as well as for contributing to causes challenging Albanian people across the Atlantic.
The AAWO President presented longtime AAWO contributor and prominent community member Ana Marky Walsh and key AAWO event contributor Arberie Hetemi, with the AAWO Certificate of Gratitude.
The event participants enjoyed the fine food and ambiance of the Arno Restaurant and danced to the fine tunes of traditional and new Albanian music mixed by Arberie and Ernest Hetemi. The icing on the cake was an exquisite impromptu live performance by the talented Ludmilla Baballaku. The proceeds raised through a special raffle went to the AAWO Children’s Fund.
