Past Projects
February 9th, 2010 - NIAS for the second time, sponsored a seminar with Dr. Nehzat Farnoody. The response was tremendous. Portion of the proceeds benefited Human Options Shelter in Irvine, CA.
December 8th, 2009 - NIAS and its members sponsored a Christmas Drive benefiting the Children of CASA. CASA serves children who, for their own protection, have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Judges refer the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect to CASA so that one volunteer can consistently spend time with one child, building a relationship and ensuring that each child is receiving the support and attention he or she needs and deserves while going through the foster care process.
November 17th, 2009 - NIAS presented a seminar with Dr. Nehzat Farnoody at Caspian Restaurant.
October 7th, 2009 - The Network of Iranian American Society’s Board of Directors visited the Human Options Shelter. The program directors and counselors were kind enough to give a tour of their facility and familiarize us with the services they provide as well as the continuous support they offer to the graduates of the Human Options protective services. We were fortunate to meet some of the families currently housed at the shelter. It broke our hearts to meet a young Iranian woman and her baby as two of the shelter residents.
During our visit, we were informed by the Human Options Staff that the money we had raised during the “Norooz to Remember” Event in March of 2009 (over $7000.00), thanks to the support of our NIAS members, was used to completely support an entire family at the Human Options Shelter for a 45 day period. The large donation was spent on clothing costs, food, therapy sessions, educational classes, and an array of services for the treatment and protection of this particular family in need.
Once again, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity. We hope to have fewer families in shelters and less troubled times ahead for all.
September 27th, 2009 - The Network of Iranian American Society is proud to announce that we successfully completed the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” in Newport Beach, California on Sunday, September 27, 2009. We had a team of 36 members and raised $1000.00 for this event. It was an amazing day filled with hope and laughter as we walked/ran for the cure. We will have many photos up on the NIAS website soon for you to view. If you participated, we thank you for your support. We also wanted to specifically thank Mrs. Parisa Heidari-Shariati for being our team captain and motivating us to join this great cause. Ms. Foroogh Gomarooni, Ms. Faranak Gomarooni, Mr. Pedram Salimi, Mr. Sina Shariati, and Mr. Mohammad Elm, as well as Ms. Nooshan Shekarabi were at the walk representing the NIAS Board of Directors. What a success!
June 15th, 2009 - The Network of Iranian American Society is proud to announce that on (June, 2009) a donation of $500.00 was made to the Mahak Charity, a non-profit organization with a mission to aid in research funding and accessible treatment for young children fighting cancer in Iran. It saddens us that there are many children being impacted by various cancers. As children, their spirits are broken and their childhood often deeply affected by their illnesses. However, we are hopeful that with continued awareness campaign in reference to this issue and with donations for funding, there will be cures for all kinds of cancer in the near future. We wish every child a healthy and happy life.
March 8th, 2009 - A Wonderful Success! NIAS hosted “A Norooz to Remember” at the Tee Room Restaurant in Newport Beach, California in celebration of the Persian New Year. The event was sold-out and above capacity. The NIAS directors were touched at the amazing turn-out and support received by our fellow Iranians. The focus of the event was to raise funds for Iranian families living in shelters in Orange County. The representatives from Human Options were present and gave the event participants an overview of the work they do at their shelter. The pouring of support was astonishing. At the end of the evening, we had raised over $10,000 of which we donated over $7000 to the shelter to help families in need. The event featured a live band, a line-up of comedians, and a DJ which anchored in the evening’s celebration as late as midnight. A full Persian dinner was served to all the participants and many laughs were shared. What a successful event and a proud moment for us all. The NIAS directors are genuinely grateful for all of you who attended, donated, and cared enough to help those fellow Iranians in need. You have inspired us to make “A Norooz to Remember” an annual event and a hallmark of NIAS’s humanitarian efforts!
December 2nd, 2008 - NIAS and its members sponsored a Christmas Drive benefiting the Children of CASA. CASA serves children who, for their own protection, have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Judges refer the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect to CASA so that one volunteer can consistently spend time with one child, building a relationship and ensuring that each child is receiving the support and attention he or she needs and deserves while going through the foster care process.
October 19th, 2008 - NIAS presented its 5th Volleyball Tournament and donated the proceeds from this event to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, a time when little was known about the disease and it was rarely discussed in public. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Nancy kept her promise by establishing the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982 in Suzy’s memory.
June 1st 2008 - NIAS presented its 4th Volleyball Tournament and donated the proceeds from this event to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, a time when little was known about the disease and it was rarely discussed in public. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Nancy kept her promise by establishing the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982 in Suzy’s memory.
February 2nd, 2008 - NIAS organized another trip to Orangewood Children’s Home. Once again, gift bags and cupcakes were provided for 15 needy children. NIAS was allowed 2 hours of playtime with the children which was greatly rewarding. Orangewood Children’s Foundation is a facility to shelter Orange County children who were the victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. The focus is on the ongoing needs of children in the foster care system, developing a wide range of activities, scholarships, support and programs to give every child every chance to succeed.
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December 28th, 2007 - NIAS presented a social mixer at The Tee Room in Newport Beach. The proceeds from this event was used to purchase gifts for a underprivileged kids in various group homes in Orange County and Children with terminal illness.
December 11th, 2007 - NIAS and its members sponsored a Christmas Drive benefiting the Children of CASA. CASA serves children who, for their own protection, have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Judges refer the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect to CASA so that one volunteer can consistently spend time with one child, building a relationship and ensuring that each child is receiving the support and attention he or she needs and deserves while going through the foster care process.
October 21st, 2007 - NIAS presented its 3rd Volleyball Tournament and donated the proceeds from this event to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, a time when little was known about the disease and it was rarely discussed in public. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Nancy kept her promise by establishing the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982 in Suzy’s memory.
September 23, 2007 - NIAS and its members participated in “Race for the cure” Susan G. Komen Breast cancer Foundation walk. On behalf of everyone at NIAS we would like to thank everyone who participated and generously donated to this life changing event.
April 15th, 2007 - NIAS presented its 2nd Volleyball Tournament with 16 teams participation and over 250 spectators. The proceeds from this event was donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
November 18th, 2006 - NIAS presented a social mixer at The Tee Room in Newport Beach. The proceeds from this event was used to purchase gifts for a battered woman’s shelter.
September 24th, 2006 - NIAS and its members participated in “Race for the Cure” Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. On behalf of everyone at NIAS we would like to thank everyone who participated and generously donated to this life changing event. We are happy to announce this year Susan G. Komen raised over 2 million dollars for breast cancer research and grant programs. More that 24,000 people participated in this wonderful event. NIAS is proud to be a small part of this achievement. “Race for the Cure” photos.
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September 17th, 2006 - NIAS presented its first Volleyball Tournament and donated the proceeds from this event to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, a time when little was known about the disease and it was rarely discussed in public. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Nancy kept her promise by establishing the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982 in Suzy’s memory.
July 28th, 2006 - NIAS presented a social mixer at Jimmy Z’s Grill in Irvine. The funds from that event were donated to “Race for the Cure” Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For more than 20 years, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.
October 29, 2005 - NIAS presented it 4th Annual Halloween Bash at Marriott Hotel in Irvine. The proceeds from this event was donated to hurricane Katrina victims.
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October 29th, 2004 - NIAS presented it 3rd Annual Halloween Bash at Marriott Hotel in Irvine. The proceeds from this event was donated to Laura’s House. Laura’s house is a shelter for battered and abused women in San Juan Capistrano which offers shelter, support programs, education and outreach to all women who are victims of domestic violence.
August 19th, 2004 - NIAS members visited Laura’s house. Laura’s house is a shelter for battered and abused women in San Juan Capistrano which offers shelter, support programs, education and outreach to all women who are victims of domestic violence. We delivered gifts for all women and their children. We were given a tour of the entire shelter by Ms. Shahla Zand who has served as the director of the shelter for the past six years. The trip was very rewarding for all of us. It touched our hearts to see what these women experience and motivated us to stay dedicated in helping them.
April 10th, 2004 - NIAS presented its 2nd annual spring fundraiser at Irvine Marriott Hotel. The proceeds from this event will go towards building a school in the city of Bam. NIAS will donate the funds to Relief International, a reputable non-profit humanitarian organization.
January 5th, 2004 - NIAS and its members started a fundraiser for the victims of Bam. As a result NIAS through Relief International, sponsored six small two-shelter units that meet the required earthquake safety requirements. These shelters will be provided to low-income families in Bam and some of the 28 surrounding villages that have been destroyed. Commemorative plaque presented to NIAS and members from Relief International for purchasing two shelters!
December 20th, 2003 - NIAS and its members held a Christmas food drive for the Orange County Rescue mission. The items was distributed to the families in need during the holiday season. We thank all who participated in this cause.
October 31st, 2003 - NIAS presented it 2nd annual Halloween bash at Marriott Hotel in Irvine. The proceeds from this event was donated to CardioStart’s next mission to Iran tentatively in May 2004.
August 27th, 2003 - NIAS and its members, as part of a back to school project prepared backpacks with school supplies for teenagers of Olive Crest. Olive Crest is one of the largest networks of care and treatment for abused children in the state of California. More than 10,000 at-risk children and their families have been served by the caring staff and volunteers of Olive Crest. NIAS received financial contribution and donation of supplies from NIAS members and non-members for this special project. We thank all who helped from donating their time to put the backpacks together, to those of whom donated funds and supplies. NIAS and its members delivered the backpacks and supplies for the teenagers on Wednesday August 27th and received a tour of the facility. Photos of members organizing the backpacks and supplies.
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August 3rd, 2003 - NIAS in collaboration with NIPOC, NEDA and SIACE organized a picnic in Mason Park in Irvine. The proceeds from this event was donated to homeless Iranians in various shelters.
April 12th 2003 - NIAS organized another trip to Orangewood Children’s Home. The day consisted of an Easter egg haunt and free time with the kids. Gift bags and cupcakes were provided for thirty one kids.
April 5th 2003 – NIAS presented its 1st Annual Spring Fundraiser at the Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach. The proceeds from this event was used to purchase hearing aids for hearing impaired children in Iran.
November 9th 2002 - NIAS organized another trip to Orangewood Children’s Home. Once again, gift bags and cupcakes were provided for thirty needy children. Gift bags were generously donated by Intergift Corporation.
November 1st 2002 - NIAS presented its 1st Halloween fundraiser at the Hyatt Newporter. As a result of the fundraiser, NIAS was able to donate computers to several schools for blind children in Iran. The students at these schools range from impaired vision to blind. The computers are specially designed with voice-activated messages and a Braille keyboard. Child Foundation was able to match NIAS’ donation. Child Foundation was able to match NIAS’ donation and collectively we donated 10 computers.
September 21st 2002 - NIAS had a social mixer at Jimmy Z’s Grill in Irvine. The funds from that event were donated to Cardio Start, a non-profit organization consisting of Cardiologists and healthcare personnel who conduct missions and perform life-saving heart procedures on children around the world. Cardio-Start is planning a mission to Iran around March 2003.
September 14th 2002 - NIAS organized a trip to Orangewood Children’s Home. This is a temporary government-sponsored shelter for children that have been taken away from their homes for reasons such as, neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, parental drug abuse, etc. NIAS wanted to get involved with this local charity and with the funds from the first social mixer, August 3rd, NIAS organized gift bags for each of the children. Also, NIAS provided cupcakes and spent the day interacting with the children.
August 26th 2002 - NIAS organized with the Senior Center of Irvine to have members stop by and visit with the Persian elders at the center. The involved members bring cookies and forms of entertainment, such as cards, backgammon, etc. to interact with the seniors. This is an ongoing activity.
June 3rd 2002 - At NIAS’ second meeting, NIAS began fundraising for the Qazvin Earthquake. NIAS and its members contributed funds to the Earthquake Relief Fund in merely 1 week.
