June 17, 2016, Houston, TX — Raindrop Foundation hosted an iftar dinner for the Turkish American Community in Houston at the Marriott Hotel. The intention of gathering at the event, attended by around 260 people, was to unite the Turkish American public pursuing the theme of “ Gelin Birlik Olalim” and enjoyed Turkish cuisine meals along with the Turkish desert.
The program started with the choir singing of U.S. national anthem and national anthem of Turkey. The choir named as “Houston’s roses” is consisted of Turkish American elementary school children who attend the kids club at Raindrop Youth development center. After the Raindrop Foundation’s introduction movie, Ruhi Ozgel, Chairman of Raindrop Foundation board welcomed the guests with welcoming remarks.
Dr. Adem Akinci made the keynote speech with the title Islam and extremism: what should we do as Muslims to fight against terrorism.
Attendees enjoyed the classical Turkish music performed by local Turkish American musician Ali Gunal during the dinner. Mehmet Okumus, the president and CEO of Raindrop Foundation made a presentation about yearly activities of the organization.
The Annual Raindrop Appreciation Awards (Vefa Odulleri) were presented to Gonul Youngblood, Glenn Youngblood, and Aysun Dickens for their contributions to the Turkish American Community. Umit Bayulken presented the awards to Gonul and Glenn Youngblood, and Orhan Osman presented the award to Aysun Dickens.
