A successful Bay Area Gala !!

Bethlehemites from Northern California

and elsewhere gathered in San Francisco on Oct 23-24

At a great party, friends and relatives in Northern California & everywhere gathered in the Bay Area to mark of one the most enjoyable gatherings of Bethlehemite families & friends in Northern California !!

Thanks to the immense efforts of the organizers George Elhihi, Samer Bandak, Mike Aqleh, Samir Nassar, Bishara Canawati, Bashir Anastas, Bernard Boggi, and many others, this successful event has strengthened the ties within the community. The  massive attendance of Bethlehemites and friends has facilitated the (re)establishment of the North California Chapter of the Bethlehem Association !  (Congratulations North California) !!

On Saturday afternoon, people started arriving at the Crown Plaza in Foster City. Many have not seen each other for months, and some for years, old friends and classmates, relatives from around the state ..   - Bethlehemites greeted each other and prepared for the evening event.

The evening featured a band with singers George Elhihi & Jamal Kassab (and lots of dancing!), raffle prizes, a delicious dinner course,  a short video showing old & new scenes of Bethlehem & Palestine, a silent auction, and more. All funds raised were used to help our cause, mentioned in our mission statement.

Many non Bethlehemites friends (originally from Jordan and Ramallah) also attended the event (the Saint Thomas Moore Church group and others).

Several people stayed at the hotel to attend the Sunday morning brunch, followed by a board member meeting for the Bethlehem Association. The main discussion point of the meeting was the (re)establishment of the Northern California chapter of the association.

Everyone had a great  time that weekend and they are looking forward to another magnificent gathering in Bay area !!

PHOTOS

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THE SATURDAY NIGHT GALA

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Mr. George Elhihi

THE SUNDAY BRUNCH

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Group photo at Sunday Brunch

 

 

NOTE : if you have any photos taken at the Gala that you would like

posted on this website, please email them to joseph@bethlehemAssociation.org

or mail printed photos to :

Bay Area Gala Photos

P.O.Box 717

Totowa, NJ, 07512