February 22, 2002 Report From the Board of Directors

Dear Friend,

As we approach springtime and Norouz, the Persian Center family would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your tremendous support! Our growing network of friends and supporters enabled us to accomplish the following this past year:

Raised an additional $120,000 towards the loan on the historic building at 2029 Durant Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, which houses Persian Center;

Invited two active, qualified individuals, to join our Board of Directors;

Implemented the "Heritage through Art" program where Artist in Residence, Taraneh Hemami, familiarized second generation Iranian-Americans with their cultural heritage through creative arts projects, at the Persian Center. This nine-month program was made possible by a grant from the California Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, in addition to financial support from Persian Center. An open house was held in February, showcasing the art projects;

Raised $75,000 that was matched by the $75,000 for a total of $150,000 to send 1000 wheelchairs to Iran. The first shipment was made in December, and 500 wheelchairs were distributed in Iran in Mid-February; the remainder will be shipped and distributed later this year and we welcome sponsors and interested parties to join us on the next trip;

Kicked-off the "e-Scrip" program where Persian Centers friends can sign-up their grocery and credit cards and automatically have a percentage (average 3-5%) of the proceeds forwarded to Persian Center at no cost! We greatly urge you to sign up on-line or complete the enclosed form and support Persian Center operating funds in this very easy system;

Implemented partnership programs with Persepolis Communication Services and Midtown Stationers: By signing up with Persepolis Communications as your phone carrier (or for phone cards) and Midtown Stationers as your office supplier, not only will you great deals, but also a portion of your monthly expenditure will be donated to Persian Center. Please see enclosure for more details;

Received over two dozen proclamations recognizing March 20, 2001 as Persian Heritage Day, including ones from the Governor and Lt. Governor of California, and have requested proclamations recognizing Persian Heritage Day on March 20, 2002;

Received numerous donations from private contributors including books, furniture, a boat, and a car;

Donated $4000 in proceeds from "Project Cover Up" to the "Child Foundation" to support educational needs for children in Iran;

Hosted a successful Norouz event on March 20, 2001 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose with 800 people in attendance;

Co-presented a "Norouz: the Iranian New Year" at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco on Saturday, March 18, 2001 where over 100 children made Haft-seen tables, while families enjoyed a theater performance, as well as traditional Persian music and dancing;

Hosted a successful Yalda celebration on December 20, 2001, at the Cubberly Community Center in Palo Alto, with over 250 people in attendance;

Kicked off the "Hall of Reflections" (Baz Tab-e Yadha) project that is a visual archive of immigration stores of Iranian-Americans. We encourage everyone to contribute pictures and stories (by May 1, 2002 please!), which will be etched onto mirrors and displayed in various art shows before being adorned on the walls of Persian Center;

Held and hosted countless activities at Persian Center including Persian classes, Persian literature and poetry classes, calligraphy classes, music classes (santur, daaf, piano, and voice), art classes, movie nights;

In the coming year, Persian Center hopes to build on these accomplishments, on our strong community partnership, and our commitment to promoting the Persian culture. Not only do we plan to enhance our programs, but also to build the organizational structure while continuing our fundraising efforts: we wish to raise an additional $500,000 to pay off the remaining loan of $370,000 for the Persian Center building, and be able to complete our renovation project. We need your continued help and support to raise the remaining balance! All donations to Persian Center are tax deductible pursuant to U.S. law. Please remit a check in the enclosed envelope or make a donation using your credit card on our web site.

Thank you.

The New Year ushers in a time to reflect on the past year, look towards the upcoming year, and most importantly to celebrate; therefore, we invite you to join us at these two unforgettable festivities:

"Chaharshanbeh Souri" block party, on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 starting at 7:00 pm at the 2000 block of Durant Avenue, in front of Persian Center in Berkeley. Join us to jump over fire and celebrate with music and dancing. This event is co-sponsored by Anjoman-e Doostan, Club Scorpio, Iranian Graduate and Alumni Student of UC Berkeley, Mehr Foundation, Nahaal Foundation, Persian Students Association of Stanford, Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (SF), and Society of Iranian Professionals;

In its annual tradition, Persian Center will host "NOROUZ CELEBRATION 2002" on Wednesday, March 20, 2002, 7:30 pm at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, co-sponsored by Anjoman-e Doostan, Child Foundation, Club Scorpio, Iranian Graduate and Alumni Student of UC Berkeley, Mehr Foundation, Nahaal Foundation, Persian Students Association of Stanford, Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (SF), Society of Iranian Professionals, and The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

Wishing you the seven angelic heralds of life--rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and beauty--in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Niloofar Mohtasham-Nouri President

Mandana Baradar	Shahin Tabrizi	Hamid Taeb
Niosha Nafei		Majid N. Tehrani