A Girl Named Arezou

It has always been a great source of joy and satisfaction for us to share with sponsors the good news about successes and achievements of their sponsored children. Whenever they distinguish themselves in academics, or succeed in taking on additional responsibility in their own families, we would be more than happy to keep you updated.

Sad news, on the other hand, is not so easily shared. In this special case, however, I was moved to make an exception. And, I think, after reading about it, you will know why. Arezou has just started high school. With the help of supporters like you she has enjoyed sponsorship through Child Foundation for the past 3 years. Although making good progress, she has recently fallen victim to an unlikely series of tough circumstances that are totally beyond her control. It seems that her life took a turn for the worse when her diabetic father passed away last year. A few years earlier, her 4-year-old brother had died on the way to a doctor's office after becoming severely sick.

Last month, we learned that her only remaining brother, the one who had recently decided to quit school in order to help the family in financial crisis was himself a victim of a drowning accident in the Caspian Sea. I had to inform Arezou’s sponsor of the news so he would not be surprised if her grades drop. And when I look at her file photo, it is almost as if her beautiful eyes can speak. Arezou means “wish” in Farsi language. And, like you, I can't stop thinking to myself what that “wish” might be.

Congratulations to Peyman Raoofi, a Child Foundation Member in Los Angeles for receiving an Honorary Ambassador Award from UNICEF. Peyman is dedicated to helping children in need and Child Foundation is pleased to be working with this committed member. Peyman is also recently the proud father of a beautiful baby girl.

5:00 PM- Songs of Celebration Concert with Matthew Edwardsen, Raeeka Shehabi Yaghmai, and Kristin Pankonin at Recital Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak Street. Admission is free and donations will be accepted. A portion of the proceeds will go to Child Foundation.

1:00 PM - Child Foundation Presentation at Saghi Restaurant, 17337 Ventura Blvd., hosted by Empowered Women United

9:00 PM - Halloween Party to benefit Child Foundation at California Institute of Technology, North Rec Room, 1048 E. Del Mar Blvd. Tickets are $10 and the proceeds will be donated to Child Foundation. Please RSVP to gholami@usc.edu.

12:00-4:00 PM - Universal Children's Day (UCD) Celebration, held at Camden House Restaurant, 430 N. Camden Drive

The United Nations Universal Children's Day, which was established in 1954, is celebrated in November each year to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. Enjoy a four course lunch buffet, gifts, face painting and special entertainment for children, live music and surprise guests.