Friday fund raising gala of the Nevada Chapter of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America raised over $44,000 to help the victims of the Sandy Hurricane.

The glamorous evening event brought some of the well-known American and Canadian Pakistani designers for a well-choreographed fashion show and a musical evening.  The fund raiser was attended by over 300 members of a new class of affluent Pakistani Americans, supporters and friends of APPNA.
 
The members of the  local APPNA chapter have started making their mark on philanthropy in Las Vegas by taking many need based community projects including free medical clinic, supporting education by establishing scholarships and raising funds for major catastrophic events in US and Pakistan.   The group is slowly but surely is assimilating with the deeply rooted American culture of giving and providing meaningful charity to those in need.
 
NV-APPNA President Dr. Nayab Zafar welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for their generous contributions for the victims of Sandy Hurricane.  APPNA Secretary Dr. Syed presented the 2012 report on the Nevada APPNA chapter activities beginning with the hosting of a national conference in 2012; organizing meeting with the former Pakistan Ambassador to US; the blood drive; and raising funds for the local Las Vegas food bank.   Dr. Zafar informed the community of establishing two scholarships funded by the New York Life Insurance.  Scholarships will be awarded annually to a local student on topics emphasizing on how to enhance the image of the South Asian community.  
 
Along with raising funds for the hurricane victims, the attendees also had 26 second silence to remember the traging shooting death of 26 victims at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut.  
 
The outgoing National APPNA President Dr. Samma Zafar thanked the local Nevada Chapter for hosting the 2012 National Convention.  Dr. Zafar highlighted the philanthropic work of the largest democratic Pakistani-American organization in America.  With over 3,500 members, the organization is committed to providing health care related resources to the local communities all across the United States and Pakistan.  Most recently, APPNA provided 2500 flu shots to various free clinics across the United States.
 
Community leader Dr. Ikram Khan appealed that though the media coverage has stopped, it is our responsibility as a prosperous community to come forward more often to assist the victims of such natural disasters.
 
APPNA’s national President Elect Dr. Asif Rehman flew in from Long Island, NY to talk about his personal experience in handling relief efforts at the epicenter of Hurricane Sandy.  Dr. Mohammad Shafi  spoke on the importance of charitable work as written in Quran.  He emphasized that it’s a personal responsibility of every Muslim to help those in need.  He quoted from Quran – “those who are active in giving, they are the inhabitants of paradise.”  Dr. Shafi reminded the attendees that the charity is a part of our worship.  In Islam charity is mandatory and encourages the sharing of wealth with the poor as it helps people to stand on their own feet and helps the needy to become a productive members of the society.
 
The fashion show with glamorous models on the cat walk walked on Punjabi songs. The designers HSY, QYT and Rani Emaan presented their modern creative styles worn by over fifteen professional models. The extensive collection from all the designers reflected the rich and vibrant colors with emphasis on crystals and stone work on evening wear, party outfits, mens’ wear and bridal wear.  Fashion show also included costume jewelry and accessories from Samreen’s closet.
 
The musical program by Ishmeet Narula and friends entertained the attendees with her melodious voice singing Bollywood hits.  Attendees for this honorable event were dined on the gastronomic cuisine crafted by the chefs of Origin India Restaurant.  The outgoing President Dr. Zafar introduced the incoming President Dr. Izwan Qazi and his team with an encouraging note on importance of continuing the community work.
 
The entertaining evening was indeed as labeled “GLAM SHAM”.