Croatian American Family Hosts A Successful Benefit Dinner To Raise Funds For Demining in Croatia FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 1, 2001 - North Potomac, MD) - On November 30th, 2001, over forty guests attended the benefit dinner at the Steve Rukavina residence in North Potomac, Maryland. This "Night of a Thousand Dinners" was the first of what will become an annual event as part of the international initiative and social movement worldwide to raise funds to make the world mine-safe and mine-free. This Maryland fundraising dinner was coordinated through the Washington, D.C. based organization, the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCA). The featured guest speaker was Richard Kidd, IV, from the Bureau of Political and Military Affairs at the US Department of State. Mr. Kidd, is a foreign affairs officer with significant experience with the landmine problems in Southeast Europe and Afghanistan. Also, Dr. Kresimir Pirsl, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Jackie Hanson of the International Committee to Ban Landmines and Jason Rukavina of the NFCA, addressed the well-fed crowd about the pressing challenge and crisis with landmines around the world. The Croatian section of the Voice of America, attended and interviewed several of the guest speakers. "I was pleased that we raised close to $4,500 with the matching funds available for demining in Croatia arranged through the Adopt-A-Minefield organization. It was a fun night, with a great crowd and Chef Ivo Svircic was the hero of the night with his on-site preparation of superb Croatian dishes", said Jason Rukavina, co-host of this benefit event with his father, Steve Rukavina. The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia donated most of the food for this benefit dinner. All funds raised at the North Potomac dinner will be contributed to the Adopt-A-Minefeld organization and then earmarked for demining operations in Croatia and thus, will qualify for U.S. government matching funds. This global dinner effort was arranged by the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLF) and the United Nations Association of the USA to raise awareness and funds for groups like Adopt-A-Minefield, based in New York. "This fundraising dinner was a new challenge for me and my first serious attempt at organizing an event that benefits a Croatian cause, and overall it was very satisfying that it was so successful. I hope more Croatian Americans will plan and participate in next year's round of global dinners," concluded Jason Rukavina. op-ed On this somber day when we lost George Harrison, I felt a great satisfaction that the third generation of Croatian Americans are involved in such a precious cause, to show that we care and that we can make a difference. We found friends in organizations like Adopt-A-Minefield and Roots of Peace, who selflessly help our country without asking for any rewards. These contributions that will come from all over the world will show them that we are as well committed to the cause. Great job Jason and all of you unnamed who contributed. Love and Light in the spirit of George Harrison ! Nenad Bach editor in chief distributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com
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