The RMF - USA
The René Moawad Foundation - USA is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian,
tax-exempt U.S. organization promoting sustainable human development
in Lebanon.
It was established in the U.S. in 1993, with headquarters in
Washington DC, to advance the mission and goals of its counterpart in Lebanon
and to diversify its sources of funding and support. This is achieved through
numerous fundraising events held nationwide that support the Foundation’s
many projects on the ground in the fields of agricultural and social development,
education and health care.
The Foundation’s ultimate objective is promoting
peace and stability in Lebanon through development..
RMF-USA undertakes various activities to achieve its objectives, these include:
Annual Benefit Gala Dinners
The Foundation’s annual benefit dinners are its primary fundraiser. Each event brings together around 400 members of the Arab-American community, particularly Lebanese-Americans, some of the Arab diplomatic corps and other American friends of Lebanon. It is usually a Lebanese cultural evening that features a Lebanese fashion designer, or performer, a silent auction as well as other attractions that help raise funds to finance a targeted social development project in Lebanon, especially ones that deal with literacy programs and vocational training sessions for working children and women. Distinguished community service and personal achievement awards are presented to deserving individuals.
Recent Gala Dinners:
31 March 2012, Houston
22 October 2011, Miami
14 October 2011, Washington DC
23 October 2010, Washington DC
16 October 2010, Miami
16 April 2010, Houston
25 October 2008, Washington DC
26 April 2008, Miami
20 October 2007, Washington DC
13 October 2007, Houston
21 April 2007, Miami
28 October 2006, Washington DC
18 March 2006, Miami
5 November 2005, Washington DC
9 October 2004, Washington DC
The Annual Conference
RMF-USA organizes a yearly one-day conference to increase public awareness on issues of concern to Lebanon, particularly those relating to human development. Past conferences have dealt with topics such as reconciliation and development in Lebanon, democracy, the youth, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, socio economic development and private public sector partnerships.
A Bazaar
RMF usually participates in the Lebanon booth at the annual bazaar that is organized every year in Washington, DC by the Mosaic Foundation showing handicrafts from all the Arab countries.
Sending medicines and medical equipments
The RMF-USA regularly sends medications and medical equipments to the Foundation in Lebanon that distributes them to hospitals and clinics in the most deprived and rural regions. Donated corneas are also sent on a regular basis.
2010-2011 Board Members
Abdo Sabban - President
Nayla Moawad - Founder & Honorary President
Edward D. Soma - President Emeritus
Nadia Abourizk-Asaad - Executive Director
Iman Aboulhosn
Anthony R. Abraham
Charles Adwan
Ambassador Vincent Battle
Nina Beydoun Idriss
Kathy Feghali
Jay Ghazal
Usama S. Hamdan, M.D.
Rima Otrakji
Fariba Jahanbani
Nabil Jabbour, M.D.
Lina Jazi
Adib Kassis
Clovis Maksoud, Ph.d. *
Idy Marcus
Majida Mourad
Diane Nelson
Congressman Nick Rahall *
* Honorary Board