AYAA’s Millennium Reunion:

Washington, D. C. May 24, 2008:

AYAA’s millennium fifth reunion which was held in Washington D. C was a stunning success both in terms of turn out and overall outcome. Over 1000 people attended the reunion. The International Ballroom was full to the brim. People came from all parts of the United States, Canada and even Europe.

The grand reunion was preceded by a board meeting held on May 23, 2008 from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM in down town Washington, D. C. and a general assembly conducted on May 24, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the International Ballroom. The new project Library Media Center was unveiled, financial, communication and organizational networking related reports were delivered accompanied by power point presentations.

AYAA members and friends gave the project high support. AYAA grossed over $90,000.00 from various sources. The highlight of the reunion was the exceptionally generous $25,000 .00 Teka Guaerar Fund which was matched by members up to the cent and more. The match amounts ranged from another land mark donation of $5,000.00 from Abraham Biadeglegn to $5.00. More details on this will follow

Thanks to AYAA’s women members and supporters in the Washington, D. C. area, dinner was served free. AYAA supporters in the DC area had also contributed over $4,000 to defray some of the costs of the reunion. A special millennium publication and a special pin commemorating the fifth reunion were available for modest prices. T-shirts, caps, key chains were also sold at very affordable prices. The special magazine will be disseminated widely through out this year.

The music was great. By popular demand the party was extended by one hour at no extra cost. The crowd was peaceful and friendly. The sense of friendship and belongingness overflowed the full house. As much as it was real and proved to be a magnificent social event, it imbued nostalgia and brought forth sweet elementary and high school memories.

The fund raising event was certainly enlivened by the exceptional generosity of the Teka Guaerar Fund. AYAA thanks this true friend of AYAA and all those who donated to the matching fund and beyond making this reunion most memorable. Indeed, it was Saeseamo Hadarka Aytresae – Dance but do not forget your goal.

The AYAA Washington, D. C. Support Committee is to be commended for a fantastic work leading to and during the reunion. The skillful networking delivered by the AYAA Officers, board members and supporters in many parts of the US and Canada was instrumental in attracting an extra ordinary participation.

AYAA hopes to rely on the continued support from members and friends. We will make positive difference together!

The President

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