November 20, 2015., Chicago, IL. Niagara Foundation organized its Annual Peace and Dialogue Awards at the University of Chicago to recognize individuals and organizations committed to promoting dialogue,peace and understanding.
The evening kicked off with a reception at the library of the University Club, with VIP guests networking with each other and later a live silent auction, hosted by Gesture, an auction company where distinguished guests bid on items such as international travel packages, including NBA player jerseys.
Later, Mevlut Hilmi Cinar, President of Niagara Foundation, thanked the network of organizations that have contributed to improving the Chicago and global communities. Sherif Soydan, former President of Niagara Foundation, shared the mission of the foundation as well as the importance of promoting cultural understanding.
This year, Daniel Ash, from Chicago Community Trust received the “Community Service Award” for the organization’s work by impacting the community through donor projects. Andrea Zopp, Chicago Urban League received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for strengthening the African American community and improving the livelihoods of the residents of Chicago. Suzanne Morgan, Founder of Sacred Space International received the “Fethullah Gulen Award” for spreading interfaith dialogue by developing models for sacred spaces to promote religious tolerance and understanding.
