Press Release

RAISING HOPE
FOR TURKISH CHILDREN
WITH MUCH FUN, JOY AND SUCCESS

Marmara Manhattan
New York, NY

"Bir mih bir nali, bir nal bir ati, bir at bir insani, bir insan bir toplumu kurtarabilir."

On November 11, 2006, the Bridges of Hope Project (BOHP) held its first major fundraising event in New York City. This non-profit organization was founded in 2005 with the objective to raise funds that will give hope and opportunity to Turkish children to pursue their education and realize their potential. The event raised close to $20,000.   With the funds raised during the event, BOHP will be able to create over 18 libraries in schools in selected towns in Turkey, in association with its grantee non-profit organization ILKYAR.  

The location of the event was the rooftop terrace of the Marmara Manhattan, a lovely space offering a spectacular view of the glittering New York skyline. The Marmara Manhattan generously donated the venue and wine for the event, as well as a hotel stay in the luxurious Marmara Hotel and Spa in Antalya - one of the many items donated to the silent auction for the event.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items including artwork and collectibles, hotel stays at the Marmara Antalya and Emre Hotels in Marmaris, French lessons at the Alliance Française, beautiful jewelry donated by Dynasty Gold and Silver and Elite Gold, dinner for two at the Good World Restaurant, Iznik Style ceramics and accessories thanks to the Nesil Group, silk scarves by internationally-renowned Turkish designer Atil Kutoglu and a professional encounter with Dr. Kayhan Civelek for dental work without the customary fear factor-guaranteed!

Food for the evening was graciously donated by two well-known local Turkish restaurants - Turkish Grill in Queens and Dervish Restaurant in Manhattan.  

Opening remarks were made by Bridges of Hope officers Çigdem Acar, Mehmet Uca, and volunteer Nezih Sözmen. Ms. Acar drew a rather vivid picture of BOHP for the guests and remarked on how "the time has come for the Turkish-American community to engage in social philanthropy and support worthy causes back home in Turkey as well as in the U.S." She stressed the importance of community-building while engaging in philanthropy. The Turkish-American community's readiness to make a difference was clearly evidenced by the enthusiasm of the over 100 guests in attendance throughout the evening.

Mr. Uca stressed how powerful is the gift of hope and opportunity that education provides to an underprivileged child. He cited the example of the prolific Turkish writer, Osman Sahin, who was given a similar opportunity in his youth through the Village Institutes (Köy Enstituleri). "One child can make a whole world of difference", affirmed Mr. Uca.

Mr. Sözmen talked about the BOHP grantee ILKYAR in Turkey and his own first-hand experience working as a volunteer for this organization which contributes to the education of underprivileged children in remote villages and towns. Mr. Sözmen is living proof of the dedication, professionalism and results achieved in working with a non-profit such as ILKYAR. This confidence level with ILKYAR is an important factor for Turkish-American and other U.S. donors, who must have the reassurance that their hard-earned donations reach their ultimate destination and will make a life-altering difference for the children of Turkey.

But as is usually the case, it was the words of children that were the most eloquent. Two Turkish students read several letters from children in Turkey who had benefited from the largesse of donors. These letters thanked ILKYAR donors for the libraries built in their schools. Their simple and direct words added a touching personal dimension to the efforts of BOHP and its grantee ILKYAR.

Following the readings, Turkish folk music was performed by Ozan Aksoy on baglama, Rana Senol on bendir, and Mehmet Uca and Handan Hizmetli on vocals. This caused more than a few people - whose names shall remain anonymous ! -- to hit the floor dancing.

Voice of America and TRT International were present to cover the event, ensuring a wide media coverage in both the United States and Turkey.

In addition to the funds raised during the silent auction and door admissions, BOHP also received generous pledges from several guests.  

Mr. Murat Agirnasli, a highly-respected real estate developer and textile trader, pledged $1,000.

Another outstanding pledge came from The American Turkish Society, in the form of a match-grant commitment of $3,130, which will help ensure the creation of libraries for three schools. The last time ATS participated in such a gift-matching program was during the fundraising efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey in 1999. It was truly energizing to see ATS focus its grant-giving efforts to a U.S. based non-profit organization. This community leadership initiative will undoubtedly constitute an inspiring model for the future of Turkish-American philanthropy endeavors.

Dr. Metin Taskin pledged $2,200, earmarked for two specific schools - the Ataturk Yatili Ilkogretim Bölge Okulu and the Merkez Ilkögretim Okulu in Kavak (Samsun). By this gesture, Dr. Taskin is returning the gift of the future to the very two schools that he attended as a child. It was truly a motivating experience to talk with Dr. Taskin and feel his joy in being able to make a difference.

BOHP was also heartened by the participation of many new volunteers who came enthused by the event and wished to contribute their time and effort to the advancement of this initiative. This is an exciting development, since BOHP is an entirely volunteer-run organization.  

In addition, the event brought together Turkish-Americans and other friends of Turkey from a variety of backgrounds, including several new faces. Indeed, the goal of BHOP is to build many bridges: bridges of hope for children in Turkey, bridges of understanding between America and Turkey, and bridges of solidarity amongst the Turkish-American community. By joining hands together, all communities will be strengthened, with old and new colleagues and friends finding surprising common grounds and interests.

As one of BOHP's volunteers remarked the next day: "What an evening! There was much joy, warmth, love and yes, hope, in that room last night." And yes, that is what the Bridges of Hope project is all about.