The Islamic Center of Northeast Florida (ICNEF) is sponsoring a gala evening titled, “An Evening of Gratitude.” The event will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Hyatt Riverfront. Reception begins at 6 pm, to be followed by dinner, speeches and awards.
The goal of the event is to thank individuals and institutions that have publicly and privately helped the Muslim community in Jacksonville during one of our most challenging years.
In 2010, we had a raging controversy over the appointment of a community member to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, which was followed by the bombing of ICNEF building, and then came the news of a Gainesville pastor who threatened to burn copies of The Qur’an.
Through all these challenges, we had many individuals and institutions in the city that offered us unprecedented support. We want to thank our friends and we hope to continue working with them to make Jacksonville a better place for all its residents.
Our aim is to use this event to build bridges of understanding with leaders in Jacksonville’s religious, political, and civic community. Given this purpose, we expect a sizeable majority of the guests to be from outside the Muslim community in Jacksonville.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “If you are grateful, He is pleased with you.” (39:7). The Prophet (SA) also advised us, “The one who does not give thanks to people will not give thanks to Allah.”
Mayor John Peyton has agreed to be the keynote speaker. Former Mayor John Delaney who is now the President of UNF will be our featured speaker. Also addressing the audience will be Amb. Nancy Soderberg (former U.S. Ambassador to UN), Celeste Krueger (Executive Director, OneJax), Frank Denton (Editor, Florida Times Union), Parvez Ahmed (UNF Professor and 2010 FolioPerson of the Year) and Joe Bradford (Imam, ICNEF).
The program will be emceed by Melissa Ross, from WJCT’s First Coast Connect.
Invitations are being mailed out to city dignitaries, ICNEF BOT members, Office Holders of ICJAX and IIJAX, and key community volunteers. Given the limitations of space, we have made this an “invitation only” event. No tickets are being sold. The event is being made possible due to generous contributions from several members of our community. May Allah bless them for their generosity. ICNEF funds are not being used for this event.
Earlier in the year, I had sought approval from ICNEF BOT for this event. The BOT unanimously approved the holding of this event on behalf of ICNEF. Upon receiving this approval, I have convened a small group of volunteers to help out with the planning.
Any member of the community, who is interested in attending the event can send an email to eveningofgratitude@gmail.com. Please give us your full name, address and phone number. Also indicate your meal preference (fish, chicken or vegetarian).
Please note, that all requests to attend the event will be processed in the order received. However, seating is limited. We will try our best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee any seat at this time. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope that you will forgive our limitations.
In addition, please suggest names, affiliation and address of dignitaries who may benefit from attending this event, so that we may invite them, again subject to the availability of seating.
Sincerely,
Mohammed Mona, MD
Chairman, Evening of Gratitude Program Committee