The Midnight Mission (TMM) extends a heartfelt thank you to the 2013 Nowruz Committee, our event sponsors and the Iranian-American community for coming out to celebrate TMM’s second annual Nowruz event on March 15. Not only were our guests exposed to a day of diversity, but the Nowruz Committee raised nearly $100,000 to cover TMM’s operations through the full 13 day Nowruz period.

A gracious welcome was given by President Larry Adamson thanking everyone who made this event possible, especially the Iranian-American community for bringing so much joy and hope to Skid Row.

Prominent Iranian-American community leader Fardad Yazdi spoke about Nowruz and what it means to the Iranian-American people. Nowruz, a 3,000 year old holiday that marks the beginning of spring and the Iranian calendar, is a celebration of life with family and friends. A beginning of a new year is the best time to encourage people to give back to the less fortunate members of the community. In the time-honored tradition of giving Eydi (gifts), every guest received a gift bag containing new clothing, hygiene products and books for the children.

Over 200 volunteers served a customary meal to nearly 1,500 of our homeless and near homeless guests, who were delighted with the meal of braised chicken with tomato sauce, basmati rice with red currants and almonds, glazed carrots, salad and bread pudding dessert. Persian music played and traditional dancing groups performed on the stage throughout the afternoon. To our guests delight, colorful skirts and head-pieces were distributed along with dance lessons. The guests were told to keep these festive items of clothing as a reminder that every day is a chance for a new beginning.

TMM is grateful to the 2013 Nowruz Committee, our event sponsors and the Iranian-American community for this most memorable and moving event that helped bring our community together in love and service. To view pictures from the event, please visit our Facebook page.

2013 Nowruz at TMM Committee Members:
Matt Alavi • Shruti Amin • Maryam Azarbayjani-Morovati
Nora Contreras • Afshin Gorgin • Shawn Hezar
Shirin Hezar • Bahram Javadi • Ali Razi
Anousheh Razi • Abbas Satrap • Amir Yazdi
Fardad Yazdi • Mahvash Yazdi • Tamila Yazdi