A Pre-Valentine's Day Fundraiser Raises $6,500 For Refugee Relief Efforts

A Pre-Valentine's Day Fundraiser Raises $6,500 For Refugee Relief Efforts

Last night, PAPER's Mickey Boardman, Khalid El Khatib, and Jamie Granoff hosted a fundraiser in the downstairs space at Tijuana Picnic where guests sipped Casa Noble tequila cocktails and Kalkutta curated music. Thanks to the generosity of those partners, all proceeds went directly to the International Rescue Committee (the IRC).

The event, one week before Valentine's Day, was themed, "Choose Love" calling on guests to show love and compassion for refugees around the world. The $6,500 raised will help the IRC respond to some of the world's worst crises, delivering aid that saves refugees' lives and creates opportunities for long-term recovery.

"For me, the cause is personal – my dad was displaced from the West Bank in 1947 and grew up in Syria before moving to the U.S. as a young physician. He's practiced medicine here for 40 years. After growing up with so little, he gives everything back. If today's laws were in place years ago, he might not have been let into the country. His story, and the thousands of lives he's saved, is just one reminder than refugees need us just as much as we need them," said host Khalid El Khatib.

Humanitarian efforts are more necessary than ever. As the American government shrinks resources allocated to international aid, continued fighting in Syria has as many as 100,000 people fleeing in recent weeks and a January decision to end protections for 200,000 Salvadorans puts them in danger.

The fundraising campaign is accepting donations through the weekend, and you can donate to the IRC here.

Photos by Mich Cardin


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