» Archived event flyer and agenda
It was a wonderful evening of Saturday January 21st, 2012 when Pakistan American Society of South Jersey (PASSJ) held its New Year annual dinner at Lion's Lake Park, Voorhees Township Hall, Voorhees, NJ.
It was attended by about 150 members from diverse communities in South Jersey and many guests from Tri-state area.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of Sen. Stephen Sweeney, President, Senate State of New Jersey, Sen. James Beach, Sen. Donald Norcross, Assembly women Ms. Pamela Lampitt, Mr. Lou Cappelli, Director-Camden County Freeholders NJ, Mayor Waterford Township Marryann Merlino and other high profile dignitaries and distinguished Pakistanis.
The program started with the recitation and translation of a verse from Holy Quran by Dr. Nurul Haque followed by The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag lead by Narmeen Sameer.
PASSJ President Mr. Aqil Khan welcomed the attendees and spoke about the importance of PASSJ and its efforts to promote diversity and bridge the gap of understanding and brotherhood in the area amongst the communities and invite them to different Social, Cultural and Educational Development and Health Awareness programs organized by PASSJ. He also thanked the members of PASSJ Working Team Members via Dr. Nurul Haque, Iyaz Ahmed, Dr. Rafey Habib, Saima Bhutta, Jamil Khan and Sameer Sarfraz for their hard work to make this evening a success.
US Senator from New Jersey Mr. Robert Menendez sent an apology note that due to his prior commitments he was not able to attend the event. However, he sent his massage to the community through his representative. Mr. Khan was king enough to read the message sent by Senator. Menendez to the attendees.
President Senate NJ, Sen. Stephen Sweeney, Sen. Jim Beach, Sen. Donald Norcross, Assembly women Ms. Pamela Lampitt, Mr. Lou Cappelli, Director-Camden County Freeholders NJ and Ms. Marryann Merlino, Mayor Waterford Township also spoke on the occasion and highly appreciated the efforts and community service of PASSJ to work hand in hand with the County and Govt. officials in the development and progress of State of New Jersey.
Sen. Sweeney and other dignitaries were thrilled to receive awards in recognition of their dedication and hard work to the citizens of New Jersey, presented by PASSJ.
PASSJ also was recognized by Sen. Stephen Sweeney, President Senate NJ and presented a Proclamation of Service to recognize the dedication and efforts of PASSJ to the communities of South Jersey.
At the end, Mr. Khan, President PASSJ read out a thanking note to the attendees and later the dinner was served to participants. Ms. Bhutta acted as moderator of the program.