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2007 Highlights

In 2007, PartnershipsInAction Golf tournaments were held in eight major U.S. cities to raise awareness and funds for sustainable solutions to poverty in some of the most marginalized communities in Asia and Africa.

Dallas | May 19, 2007

The Dallas PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament launched by the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. on May 19 brought together 65 golfers to draw attention to alleviating poverty in the world. Following the tournament at the Castle Hills Golf Club, an awards ceremony and luncheon was held featuring keynote speaker Tom Greco, President of PepsiCo. Other well known celebrities made their presence and showed their support for the Foundation’s work, including the former Dallas Stars Craig Ludwig, former Dallas Cowboy Mike Kissilak, and past Pro Foundation player Kevin Howell.

Atlanta | June 4, 2007

At the Atlanta PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament on June 4, 92 players participated including corporate and civic leaders, entrepreneurs and the public at large. Jerry Oberholtzer, Mayor of Snellville, Georgia and Mike Beaudreau, Commissioner of Gwinnett County were among the high-profile guests attending the event at the Alpharetta Golf & Country Club. Iqbal Noor Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. based in Washington, DC, gave a presentation about the impact of the Foundation’s work and its successful strategies that help to save and improve lives in some of the most impoverished regions of Africa and Asia.

Watch video highlights of the Atlanta PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament
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Chicago | May 21, 2007

The Chicago PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament, held at Whisper Creek Golf Club on May 21, hosted 80 golfers and more than 150 guests that came from Chicago, Milwaukee and even as far as Canada. Mr. Iqbal Noor Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. gave a presentation about the Foundation’s innovative solutions that have a tremendous impact on improving the well-being of poor communities in Africa and Asia. Mr. Noor Ali underscored the Foundation’s approach of helping people to help themselves as the way forward for long-lasting results.

Houston | June 18, 2007

The Houston PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament took place on a beautiful Monday afternoon on June 18, 2007, with a total of 151 golfers participating. Even as the threat of sudden downpour lingered from the weekend, enthusiastic groups of professionals, corporate executives, and colleagues gathered on the beautiful course of Sweetwater Country Club for a round of golf that made a world of difference. With the generous support of sponsors and the enthusiastic work of volunteers, the Tournament raised net proceeds of over $40,000 for innovative projects in the developing world.

The Tournament garnered support and respect from several distinguished members of the community, including Oliver Luck, General Manager of the Houston Dynamo, who expressed his admiration and support of the Foundation’s work in his keynote address at the dinner banquet following the Tournament. Though not an avid golfer himself, Mr. Luck took time out on Monday to address the golfers and sponsors at the dinner, referring to the Foundation’s work as “very American” in its approach, emphasizing the principles of working with the private sector, self-help, and empowerment of women. Roseann Rogers of Channel 2 KPRC-TV enthusiastically emceed the program, noting the importance of contributing to such a global cause. Dinner guests participated in a energetic, live auction during the dinner, and a silent auction during the Tournament, bidding on items such as diamond jewelry, designer Golf sunglasses, sporting events tickets, and airline tickets. Lucky individuals took home fabulous door prizes, including an autographed poster by Rafer Alston, Houston Rockets and a Motorola phone and blue tooth headset.

Minneapolis | September 11, 2007

The Minneapolis Golf Tournament took place in Coon Rapids, a northern suburb of Minneapolis with 35 golfers and over 50 guests that attended the dinner program. Golfers had the opportunity to participate in several contests including a $10,000 Hole-in-One, most fairway hits, longest putt, closest to the pin and longest drive. Prior to the tournament, a luncheon was held featuring keynote speaker Mr. Iqbal Noor Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. Mr. Noor Ali explained the mission and scope of the Foundation’s work and its impact on alleviating poverty and expanding opportunities in specific parts of the developing world through innovative solutions. Mr. Noor Ali also discussed the role that corporations and individuals can play in making the world a more secure and safer place by helping to improve the well-being of marginalized communities in Africa and Asia.

Attorney Todd Iliff served as master of ceremonies at the luncheon. During the evening banquet in his welcoming remarks, Mr. Iliff encouraged guests to support the work of AKF USA by helping to raise funds through their businesses and corporations and to participate in the Partnership Walk on October 14 in Chicago at Millennium Park.

Birmingham | October 15, 2007

The inaugural Birmingham Tournament hosted over 50 golfers on a beautiful sunny day at Chase Lake Country Club on Monday, October 15th. With the generous support of sponsors and the enthusiastic work of our volunteers, the Tournament raised total proceeds of $56,000 for innovative projects in the developing world. Mr. Walter Body of The Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company, the keynote Speaker, spoke about his company’s relation and partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation and his first hand experience of the Foundation’s work when he visited Africa with his family, followed by a brief presentation by Mr. Chris Butler of the Aga Khan Foundation South East highlighting some of the sustainable solutions undertaken by the Foundation to eradicate poverty in some of the most marginalized communities in Asia and Africa.

Los Angeles | December 6, 2007

The Los Angeles Partnership Golf Tournament took place on December 6, 2007 at the beautiful Trump National Golf Course with over 100 golfers participating. Sherry Simpson Dean made an inspiring keynote address to the gathered participants, followed by an educational presentation by Aziz Valliani, Chairman of the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. National Committee. The Tournament was followed by a banquet dinner, distribution of awards to participants and a silent auction

San Antonio | September 10, 2007

The San Antonio Partnership Golf Tournament took place on September 10, 2007 at the beautiful The Club at Sonterra Golf Course with over 100 golfers participating. The Tournament was followed by a banquet dinner and awards ceremony for participants. An educational presentation by Aziz Valliani, Chairman of the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. National Committee was made, which included a video presentation.