SACC hosts its 20th anniversary gala
HOUSTON: The Houston South Asian Chamber of Commerce hosted their 20th anniversary gala in Houston local hotel to honoring outstanding business leader S.Javaid Anwar, CEO of Midland Energy, and...
February 17, 2014
The event featured Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia, American actor Wilmer Valderrama, Ukrainian dancer Karina Smirnoff, and Texas officials including Mayor Annise Parker, Judge Ed Emmett, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Attorney General Greg Abbott, and State Senator Wendy Davis. The MC for the evening was none other than Houston's own comedian Mo Amer.
The crowd glittered in their ethnic elegance and formal attire. "Every year our gala is more extravagant than the year before. We've been so excited to host our past honorees like Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, CNN's Ali Velshi, and the incomparable Joanne Herring. This year is going to be our most ambitious yet with stars from Hollywood to Bollywood" said Nomi Husain, President of the SACC and the gala's Chairman.
Neha Dhupia the Indian actress and international beauty queen represented Bollywood at the event. She gained instant fame in India when she was crowned 'Miss India 2002'. Neha finished amongst the top 10 in the 'Miss Universe 2002'.
Ms. Dhupia shared her thoughts on the importance of the special relationship between American and Indian film.
Lt. Governor David Dewhrst Introduced and Attorney General Greg Abbott presented the award for Outstanding Business Leader for 2014 to S. Javaid Anwar, CEO of Midland Energy.
A Documentary on "LIFE OF S.JAVAID ANWAR" also featured and Former President George W. Bush and Governor Rick Perry sent congratulatory video messages to S. Javaid Anwar.
In acceptance Speech Honoree S. Javaid Anwar paid special tribute to his mother for raising and providing best education and also recognize his wife Vicky Anwar, Son Ryan and Daughter Leslie. He thanked President Nomi Husain and Board of Directors of SACC. He specially thanked Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, President Houston Karachi Sister City Association for all his coordinating efforts.
Wilmer Valderrama, best known as Fez on That 70's Show, presented the award for Outstanding Charity to Anthony Melikhov's organization Unite 4 Good, which seeks to increase global acts of kindness.
"We're celebrating the Chamber's 20th Anniversary so we wanted to show our deep connections to Houston, to Texas, and to the US, as well as our South Asian roots," stated Mustafa Tameez and Ash Shah, Co-Chairs of the Board of the Directors of SACC.
Also attending where Houston's own political stars Mayor Annise Parker and County Judge Ed Emmett. They were joined by such political luminaries as Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, and Democratic State Senator Wendy Davis, both rivals in the campaign for Texas Governor.
A large number of Community Leadership from Turkish, Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi, Baku, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan attended. Prominent Amongst in presence were Erum Ali, M.J.Khan, Tahir Javed,Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, Sajid Husain, Khalid Kazi, Haoon Shaikh, Gul Fraz Khan,Khaled Khan,Shah Haleem,Mehmet Okumas,Ruhi Ozgul,Pervez Iqbal, Mohammad Zaheer and members of South Asian Country Media.
