On Oct 28, 2017, the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health (LebMASH) celebrated Halloween Middle Eastern style, for the fifth year in a row.
The event took place at the Loft in New York City and was very well attended. More than 150 people showed up to dance to Arabic music by Australian Lebanese DJ Ray Isaac, nibble on Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvres generously donated by Toum and Manouche, and enjoy authentic Lebanese wine donated by Ksara and delicious mixed Vodka drinks from Zirkova. And of course, to support LebMASH’s work.
Dr. Omar Harfoush, LebMASH’s president spoke at the event and explained that the mission of LebMASH is to advance sexual health in Lebanon with specific focus on marginalized groups such as LGBT people. He updated the attendees on the recent projects that LebMASH has been engaged in which includes a project that is funded by the American Embassy in Beirut; and in partnership with the office of mental health at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health to train all mental health providers in Lebanon on LGBT mental health.
Dr. Harfoush also shared that in September 2017; LebMASH was recognized by GLMA – Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Health with the 2017 GLMA Achievement Award at GLMA’s annual gala dinner in Philadelphia.
LebMASH raised about $15,000 from the Halloween party.
In addition to the Halloween party, LebMASH concluded in October 2017 an online fine art auction that turned out to be a huge success. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of more than 30 Lebanese and International artists ranging from the emerging to the very well established, LebMASH was able to raise over $61,000. The auction included artworks by Hussein Madi, Nabil Nahas, Samia Halaby, Akram Zaatari, Ziad Antar, Ayman Baalbaki, Ali Cherri, Nayla Romanos Ilya, Hala Shoukair, Rhea Karam, Monika Sziladi, Silvia Poloto, Alex Dodge and other artists.
LebMASH would like to thank all its supporters, sponsors, and volunteers that made these two events possible. LebMASH would like to especially thank its fiscal sponsor in the United States, ACT for Lebanon for its support and guidance.