On November 18th, 2010, The Institute of Interfaith Dialog and the Office of Diversity and Access at UMKC along with Raindrop Turkish House held the 7th Annual Dialog and Friendship Dinner to promote mutual understanding, friendship, and reiterate the importance of common human values in pursuing peace among all humanity. The event took place at UMKC Pierson Auditorium.
Around 250 distinguished guests consisted of Senators, State Representatives, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, City Prosecutors, Academicians, Pastors and Mayors participated to the dinner and shared their tables with one another. It was a successful event where everybody could get to know each other; attendees had a chance to start new friendships and break down the barriers of stereotypes and misunderstandings. Dinner started by an introduction speech by Welcome speech by Karen Dace, Ph.D. - Deputy Chancellor, Division of Diversity, Access and Equity at University of Missouri-Kansas Cityand continued with an Introduction Speech by Greg Rieke -Director of IID Advisory Board.
Gail Hackett, Ph.D. Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rabbi Alan Cohen -Director of Interreligious Affairs of JCRB/AJC, John Douglass - Chief of Police City of Overland Park, Brian A. Truchon - Special Agent in Charge Kansas City Division, Representative Trent Skaggs - Missouri, District 31 and Karen Fontenot, Ph.D. Interim Dean of College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Southeastern Louisiana University are some of the guests who shared remarks with the guests. The program ended with Turkish live music performed by M. Ali Tunc and Sait Arat. (November 18, 2010 Kansas City, MO)
