Honors Ceremony tributes two remarkable humanitarians: Shahin Mafi, and Father Jose Maria Neuenhofer
Dec 31, 2015, 08:44 ET
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The French Embassy in Washington, D.C., came alive when two important leaders, Shahin Mafi, Founder/Trustee of the Azar Foundation for Children of the World and Morayma Bak, President of the Fundacion Arco Iris, joined together to raise money for the children of Bolivia.
To highlight the fundraiser for the Bolivian children, French designer Jean-François Garcia was invited to introduce his never-before-seen Raza de Bronce collection for men and women, which was unveiled to an enthusiastic crowd of Washingtonians during the sold-out Compassion through Fashion Runway Show 2015.
His new fall line, which reflects his love for Bolivian fashion, tastefully blends subtle Bolivian style with the classic and clean lines of European couture. Suited for day-or-night wear, Garcia's collection received standing ovation – and sometimes even wild and defeating applause and bravos.
But the truly magical moment during the evening of wine, fashion and food didn't occur during Garcia's runway show. The real moment that brought thunderous applause occurred when the children of Bolivia ended the evening by walking the runaway and silently saying by their presence, "Thank you, Washington, for your support."
Mrs. Bak said, "I give all credit to Father Jose Maria Neuenhofer, who established Fundacion Arco Iris (Bolivia's counterpart to Arco Iris America). He dedicated his life to improving the lives of street children and it is for this reason we are ALL here tonight!"
Shahin Mafi, who heads the Azar Foundation for Children of the World, gives all her credit for her untiring efforts, which she devotes to improving the health, education and general welfare of children around the world, to her mother, Azar Vakil Gilani (Mafi).
"It was she who inspired me," Mafi said, "I inherited her contagious love for children, which led me to create our family foundation, which I have named after her. The goal of Azar Foundation has been, and will always be, to reach out to assist the less-fortunate children around the world. Partnering with Morayma Bak of Arco Iris for this event has given me another opportunity to do this."
After the gala, Shahin Mafi visited Father Neuenhofer and the children in Bolivia. "I wanted to see the children for myself and it changed my life!."
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151231/318566
SOURCE Azar Foundation for Children of the World; Fundacion Arco Iris
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