The Morocco Foundation (MF) in collaboration with The Association of Moroccan Professionals in America (AMPA) held a charity gala on Saturday November 4, 2006 to raise funds for the School Without Borders (SWB) project.
More than 150 guests attended the gala that took place at the elegant Luxor restaurant in South San Francisco, CA.

The guests started arriving around 7pm,  Ali Bettahi, Julie ChaqChaq, and Amine benneftah were at the door welcoming people and showing them around.

Upon arrival, the guests were accompanied to the cocktail room where they were served drinks and hors d’oeuvres. They participated in the silent auction and networked with other attendees while enjoying the traditional Moroccan Daqua music. Diner was served at 9:30pm; the guests savored an exquisite three course Mediterranean diner that included a variety of salads, lamb, chicken dishes and desserts.

After diner, attendees were treated to a fashion show. The show was organized by Kenza Oumlil and featured the latest trends in Moroccan design. Six models rocked the runway highlighting approximately 20 pieces varying from Kaftans, two piece dresses belted at the waist, to Djellabas, one piece hooded over-garments. The dresses were all made of the finest fabrics imported from Europe and Asia and hand embroidered with silk and gold.
The highlight of the evening was the live auction conducted by Omar Tazi, whereby a unique collection of items ranging from arts and crafts to travel packages donated by artists, travel agencies, and other businesses fetched a total of $10,000.00.

A Microsoft donated pre-released ZUNE player valued at $300 went under the hammer for $2500 to an anonymous donor, while a painting by Ms. Leila Bennani sold for $800.  Jamal Kassab, a famous local Arab singer donated an evening of his time to sing at a private party to be hosted by the highest bidder. His offer fetched $1300.
Following the auction, guests were charmed with Moroccan music performed by Bouchaib Belhadi and his group and accompanied by the amazing voices of the artists Dalila and Jamal. Until 2am, the dance floor was filled with people moving to the rhythms of the most popular Moroccan and Arab hits.

Other highlights of the evening included a breathtaking belly dancing performance by Sonya and Fati, and a raffle drawings for two roundtrip tickets to Morocco offered by Royal air Maroc that went to Mr. Hossam Mohareb.
The soiree raised more than $28,000.00 through a silent auction, a live auction, and net revenue from the diner itself. The next proceeds after all expenses was $17,200. This achievement was made possible due to the generosity and enthusiastic assistance of the Moroccan and Arab community in the San Francisco Bay area. The proceeds will benefit four schools in the region of Essaouira in Morocco. After this huge success, Morocco Foundation is planning another event in New York City for 2007. More details will follow in the next weeks.

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