On Nov 1st, 2014, Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF), a nonprofit organization working in Montgomery County since 2008, held its annual fundraiser dinner to collect donations for its various charitable activities for the homeless, poor and needy residents of Montgomery County without any discrimination.
The well attended Annual Dinner’s theme of “Faith in Action” highlighted several of MCMF’s welfare programs for the deserving groups. The more than 200 attendees were joined by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Council Member George Leventhal, County Council President Craig Rice, Bruce Adams, Director of the Office of Community Partnership Bruce Adams, Interfaith Community Liaison Rev. Mansfield Kasey Kaseman and his wife and Ms. Daniel K Perry, Constituent Service Representative from the office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen as well as other local community leaders.
Several partner and recipient organizations also attended the function and complimented the MCMF for its welfare activities. Among the program beneficiaries the event was attended by Mark Foker, Director Development Manna Food Center, Shane Rock, CEO Interfaith Works, Mr. Terry and Joyce Seamans from Adventist Community Services and Michael Rubin, Executive Director Impact Silver Spring.
At the outset, a documentary was shown to highlight the main programs: Seniors assistance program, transportation services for seniors in the county, MCMF youth program, the annual food drive for Manna, the mobile food pantry program, MCMF Feed the homeless program at local shelters, thanksgiving meal program for needy families and Christmas holiday gift baskets programs for the needy.
The County Executive Ike Legett, County Council Member George Leventhal, Bruce Adams spoke on the occasion and complimented the MCMF for its work and effort to help the needy.
Rev. Kaseman, in his address stated “that he considered the team at MCMF not only as a colleague but soul mates in creating “the more beloved community. Whether we are dealing with hunger, healthcare, senior services acts of hatred or celebrating our essential unity in the midst of diversity. MCMF plays a significant role. In short it is a blessing.”
Shane Rock, CEO Interfaith Works stated in his speech:"MCMF is a vital partner with Interfaith Works in helping Montgomery County neighbors in need, including serving hundreds of meals to women living in our emergency shelter program. MCMF embodies faith in action.”
Mark Foker, Director of Development at Manna Food Center commended the partnership with MCMF and stated that “Manna Food Center is fortunate to have the support of an active and dedicated community as we work to end hunger in the County. It is groups like the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation that help us ensure we never turn away a person in need due to lack of food.”
Michael Rubin, Interim Executive Director, Impact Silver Spring commented in his speech stated: “IMPACT Silver Spring is proud to partner with the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation on the annual Zabiha meat distribution for those in our community who continue to struggle economically. The generosity of MCMF towards the entire community is a true example of faith in action and a wonderful model for our county.” [Source: MCMF]