F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet 2011
Operation HOPE's 5th Annual F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet was held on July 9th at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center with more than 550 guests in attendance. After months of preparation by such an incredible group of volunteers, we are happy to say that this was certainly our biggest and most successful event to date. Thanks to the generous donations from businesses and individuals from across the Lubbock area, we were able to auction off a incredible collection of art, services, and products all to help the work we are currently doing in Haiti and Iraq. Through donations, ticket sales, and our silent auction, we were able to raise an incredible $168,726.83 to help us reach our goal of providing a quality education to 1500 children in the nation of Haiti. Thank you all so much for your generous support and encouragement and we pray that God generously blesses everyone who partnered with us to make this possible. Below are a handful of photos from this year's event. Enjoy!
Guests had the opportunity to bid on a wide variety of items from stretched canvas prints photographed by Baron Batch to gift baskets filled with various gift cards and coupons to local restaurants.
Our founder, Dr. John Thomas escorting Lt. Col. Oliver North into the private reception were a group of 50+ VIP guests waited to meet Col. North, receive an autographed copy of American Heroes In Special Operations, and get their picture taken with him.
Col. North was more than happy to stand and talk with everyone in attendance at the private reception. We are so grateful that he was willing to spend the evening with us and help us spread the word about all that we're doing in Haiti & Iraq.
Karla Leslie, the evening's MC, interviewing Col. North for KAMC News here in Lubbock.
Special thanks to DeVault Floral & Top Tier Catering for the beautiful arrangement and delicious dinner.
Guests had the pleasure of enjoying to the music of Brian Batch during dinner and at various times throughout the evening.
Karla Leslie doing a fantastic job as the Master of Ceremonies for the fifth Annual F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet.
Dr. Gazi Zibari making a special presentation and thanking all of our guests for their generous donations and willingness to support the work being done by Operation HOPE across the globe.
Dr. John Thomas, Founder of Operation HOPE announcing our keynote speaker for the evening, Lt. Col. Oliver North.
Once again, we would like to thank Col. North and everyone else who came out and helped make this the most successful F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet to date. Together we truly can make a difference in the lives of people across the globe!
Make sure to to mark your calendars for next year's F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet scheduled for March 3, 2012!