SAN JOSE, CA, USA, MAY 24, 2008: The San Jose Wyndham Hotel was the venue for the Human Development Foundation's (HDF) 5th Annual Silicon Valley Benefit Dinner, held on Saturday, May 17, in front of a packed crowd of 550 attendees. HDF is a non-governmental organization (NGO) which aims to assist the disenfranchised in Pakistan by helping them to helpthemselves, through education, health care, infrastructure improvements, and micro-loan based business creation projects. The event itself was a celebration of the humanitarian work that HDF has accomplished since its inception in 1997, and featured a good mix of brief motivational speeches, a moving video, entertainment, and a fundraiser

The U.K.'s first Pakistani Muslim member of the House of Lords, Lord Nazir Ahmed, was the keynote speaker and he was certainly a popular choice, as evidenced by the numerous photograph and autograph requests that were solicited from him throughout the course of the evening. Lord Nazir spoke eloquently and passionately about the challenges facing Pakistan, from poverty to illiteracy to lack of accountability and political governance.Following his talk, Lord Nazir answered audience questions along with his co-panelists, John Mock and Ethan Casey, a journalist, author, and documentary maker. Mr. Casey provided an overview and background of his connection with Pakistan. He exhorted Pakistani-Americans to motivate their children to make an impact in mainstream media.

John Mock, a lecturer at the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC), shocked the audience by speaking in a most eloquent Urdu. He then explained to the crowd that he teaches Urdu at UCSC, and encouraged all Pakistani-Americans to give something back to Pakistan.

Next, the renowned host of the popular TV show, Neelam Ghar, Tariq Aziz,addressed the crowd. He thrilled the audience with his oratory and challenged all to do more for the people of Pakistan. A brief video was followed by a fundraising session in which the evening's goal was, Alhamdulillah, achieved. The Silicon Valley Coordinator for HDF,Mr. Javed Khan, remarked: "Tonight's event was a resounding success in that we were able to attract a huge audience, generatea great deal of awareness about HDF, and attain our fundraising goal. Insha-Allah, this will enable HDF to continue its work toward the betterment of Pakistan and humanity overall."

The evening concluded with yet another treat, a short performance by comedian Azhar Usman. Pop and Ghazal singer, Hanif Noormohammed, provided musicalentertainment to keep the guests clapping and asking for more nostalgic songs. Hanif thrilled the crowd with his choice of ghazals as well as his vocal range, and showed that he is capable of an incredible performance. All in all, the program was a most enjoyable evening and everyone who attended felt it was one of the most inspiring, informative, and entertaining programs in memory, which the organizers hope translates into greater exposure and support of HDF going forward.

For more information, or to contribute to the Human Development Foundation, contact HDF at (866)762-5806 or WWW.HDF.COM.