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News & Events

2012

ISCC Annual Gala 2012 - November 3, 2012

Each year, the International Society for Children with Cancer (ISCC) holds a fundraising gala to benefit MAHAK children battling cancer. The gala is the biggest fundraising event of the year for ISCC and this year it took place at the Irvine Hyatt Regency Hotel. Devoted supporters traveled from across the globe to attend this memorable event.

The 2012 gala was an amazing success, with more than 850 guests in attendance, which helped raise funds for more than 250 cancer stricken children and their families. This gathering was hosted by Mrs. Shahrzad Ardalan and Maz Jobrani. To honor their unsparing support, the guests were entertained with wonderful performances by Persian pop superstar Martik and vocalist Rana Mansour.

Once again, we thank all those who honored us with their presence and look forward to welcoming all our patrons at our other events during the year.

Fun Summer Festival- July 15, 2012

Mason Regional Park 18712 University Drive Irvine, CA 92612 Shelter #1 8:00 am – 4:00 pm If you have faced cancer or have lost a loved one to the disease, if you know of someone whose life has been affected by cancer we are inviting you to walk with us. When we walk together we are bigger than cancer because with every step we take we are helping ISCC fight to save a child’s life and save a birthday threatened by cancer. We are walking for cancer on Sunday, July 15, 2012 and we are inviting you to join us in experiencing the joy and pride of knowing that we are walking to create a world where cancer will no longer claim another year of a child’s life. Invite a friend, a neighbor, or coworker and let us enjoy life together and save a life.

Walk for Wishes - April 21, 2012

A wish improves children's state of mind, replacing fear with excitement and helping them to feel like kids again. ISCC is proud to have been an essential part of granting such a wish. Before Alejandro Age 12 was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he used to go to his friend's house and play video games. Since he started receiving chemotherapy treatments, he had not been able to go out much. His only wish was to receive electronics and games to keep him occupied during the long treatment cycles. In December 2011, ISCC and Make a Wish Foundation partnered together in granting Alejandro's wish.

On Saturday, April 21st, ISCC staff and thirty-three dedicated ISCC volunteers joined thousands of local supporters, at the Orange County Great Park for Make a Wish Foundations second annual walk a thon. This was a day of inspiration, fun, food and a spirited two-mile walk for wishes. The walk was a great opportunity for ISCC to once again participate in our local community, introduce our organization and make a difference.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our amazing volunteers for making this another special day of fun, unity and fundraising. A special recognition goes to our ever so patient, talented and kind video and photographer Mr. Riahi from Sayeh Video and Photography. He has been a supporter of ISCC and its programs for many years. We are honored and grateful to have such amazing volunteer on our team.

ISCC’s 4th Annual Nowruz Bazaar - March 11, 2012

This year Spring arrived early in Orange County; On March 11th over 4,000 supporters of ISCC attended its 4th annual Nowruz Bazaar and Ghollak Shekan at Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. They all gathered for a common cause, to support underprivileged children with cancer and to celebrate the arrival of Persian New Year. This annual event has become a tradition among the residents of Southern California. The Bazaar features a variety of delicious homemade torshis, jams, pastries, haft seen items and entertainment for children and adults. The attendees were welcomed by a beautiful haft seen and a room full of enthusiastic volunteers selling different items. Children were entertained by Amir Pakroo as Haji Firooz in his red suit, Ardavan Mofid as Amoo Norooz, face painting, haftseen making and egg decorations. The attendees and their children were encouraged to bring back their filled Ghollaks and receive their Nowruz Eidi. ISCC was able to collect over 200 filled Ghollaks and also distribute over 600 new ones. This year, the honorable Sukhee Kang Mayor of Irvine and Beth Krom Mayor pro-tem were among many of our distinguished guests attending the event. We also had the pleasure of having renowned authors, Firoozeh Dumas and Zohreh Ghahremani who signed copies of their books for visitors, among our guests. Shahrzad Ardalan the famous radio personality, and a long time ISCC supporter and volunteer hosted the event. As she stated, "this event gives the community an opportunity to teach their children about our rich culture and tradition, spend quality time with family and complete their Nowruz shopping, all while raising awareness and support for a wonderful cause". Through the hard work and endless dedication of volunteers and the support of the community this annual event has steadily grown in size for the past 4 years. ISCC is grateful for support during the bazaar and throughout the year.

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2011

ISCC Annual Gala Dinner and Auction : Hyatt Regency Irvine - October 8, 2011

An Unforgettable Evening Thank you to our Sponsors and Auction & In-kind donors

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Ghollak Shekan -- Family Fun Festival, Van Nuys, CA - September 25, 2011

The Campaign to Increase Children’s Cancer Awareness and Financial Support Through endless dedication of volunteers, and great community support the second ISCC Ghollak Shaken Family Festival (Piggy Bank Opening Ceremony) took place on Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Balboa Park Community Center in Encino, CA. Mrs. Shahrzad Ardalan, the producer and host of 670AM KIRN Radio show and Ms. Goli Djahanbani Filippides headed the volunteer group. Attendees of all ages joined the festival from different parts of Los Angeles. The community center was filled with children’s laughter, adults socializing and getting to know each other all while providing their financial support by turning in their Ghollaks and picking up new ones. Everyone wanted to take part in helping thousands of underprivileged children with cancer. After welcoming the attendees, Mrs. Ardalan, ISCC’s Membership Chair answered questions about the crowd’s interest in increasing their support for our children. One of the ways that people can ensure these children are cared for is by joining ISCC’s 1,000 Member Campaign. Interested supporters can pledge a monthly membership amount that is suitable to them by signing up on ISCC’s website. The highlight of the day was honoring a young boy who had collected $76 in pennies in his Ghollak, through asking friends and family members for support. When asked what inspired him to do this act of kindness he said, “I am healthy, I want other children to be healthy too so we can play.” Bravo to him for wanting health for every child even if it just for being able to play together. We invite you to join us for our next Ghollak Shekan at our Annual Nowruz Bazaar in March 2012.

Ghollak Shekan -- Family Fun Festival, Irvine, CA - September 10, 2011

A Beautiful Tradition Being Created to Support A Worthwhile Cause! Through endless dedication of volunteers, and great community support the first ISCC Ghollak Shaken Family Festival (Piggy Bank Opening Ceremony) which, took place on September 10, 2011 at Turtle Rock Community Park in Irvine, California was a great success. The festival marked the beginning of an innovative campaign to increase awareness and financial support for thousands of underprivileged children with cancer while bringing the community together. It reunited old friends, created new friendships and gave families the opportunity to spend quality time together. Mrs. Fereshteh Tavakoli, co-founder of ISCC, gave an inspirational speech about the great work ISCC does throughout the world. Mrs. Zohreh Ghahremani, recited a thought-provoking poem she had written, which reminded the visitors and volunteers of the great cause they were supporting. The highlight of the day was honoring a young girl who was able to collect $400 in her Ghollak, through savings from her allowance and asking family and friends to donate. However the main lesson she thought us was when she said, "I wanted to make a difference no matter how small". Bravo to her family for teaching her such important lessons early in life We invite you to join us for our next Ghollak Shekan at our Annual Nowruz Bazaar in March 2012.

Comics without Borders: Los Angeles Laugh Factory - August 9, 2011

Helping us bring laughter and hope back into their lives! In efforts to help raise funds and increase awareness about underprivileged children with cancer supported through ISCC, Ms. Cassie (Ghazaleh) Tajbakhsh founder and producer of "Comics without Borders" put together a night of comedy at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, CA. The evening featured host Mike Batayeh along with comedians, Max Amini, Peter the Persian, Kira Soltanovich, Brian Scolaro and Kevin Nealon, best known as a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

Association Iranian American Professionals - July 27, 2011

ISCC was invited to introduce ISCC and MAHAK to Association of Iranian American Professionals in San Diego, CA. Ms. Tolbert the Executive Director and Ms. Mahasti, Director of Planning and Community Affairs attended the meeting. Ms. Tolbert was given the opportunity for twenty minutes to introduce ISCC and MAHAK to ninety-five of the attending members.

Private Fundraiser at Dr. Ali and Dr. Haida Mojdehi - July 23, 2011

An elegant gathering of more than 100 guests was held at the beautiful residence of Dr. Ali and Dr. Haida Mojdehi in La Jolla, CA. After presentations by Mrs. Tavakoli, ISCC’s Co-Founder the charitable attendants made generous donations.

Nowruz Bazaar in support of children with cancer: Newport Beach, CA - March 13, 2011

Over one hundred volunteers helped ISCC at its third annual Nowruz Bazaar held at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, CA and more than 3,000 people attended this festive event. The Bazaar's goal is to not only provide its attendees with a variety of traditional Persian New Year Haftseen items, homemade jams, tourshis, sholezard, ash reshteh, baghlava, sohan asal, and other sweets as well as flowers and shokoofehs, but also to teach our children about the beautiful Persian culture through a number of activates such as Haftseen making and learning the story behind each item set on the table.

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2010

A Night of Tribute to Angels of MAHAK - October 2, 2010

The second annual ISCC fundraising Gala to benefit MAHAK was held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Mrs. Ghods, MAHAK's founder, and Dr. Karbassizadeh, the founder of MAHAK hospital, were both in attendance on this special night. The event was an amazing success with 700 guests in attendance. It was hosted by comedian/actor Mr. Maz Jobrani and radio personality Ms. Shahrzad Ardalan. At the end of the evening a special performance by guest of honor Maestro Shardad Rohani was enjoyed by all. Thank you to our Sponsors and In-Kind Donors

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Family Arts Festival - June 12, 2010

Family Arts Festival is a day of cultural activities, performances, and food celebrating the contemporary and traditional arts and culture of Iran held annually in New York. Mr. Hamidreza Ghahari, ISCC’s East Coast representative was invited to introduce ISCC / MAHAK to the public attending the festival.

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Iranian American Society - April 18, 2010

Palos Verdes, CA Mrs. Negin Tafazzoli, Ms. Showleh Tolbert, and Ms. Nazanin Fathi made a presentation to a group of 60 caring residents of Palos Verdes Peninsula about Mahak and ISCC and their respective goals and activities.

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Norooz Bazaar in support of Mahak : Newport Beach, CA - March 14, 2010

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Private Fundraiser at Mrs. Eftekhar Haddadzadeh’s Residence - January 13, 2010

An elegant luncheon for 80 guests was held at the beautiful residence of Mrs. Eftekhar Haddadzadeh in Beverly Hills. After presentations by members of ISCC’s Board of Directors, its Executive Director and Mrs. Shahrzad Ardalan the charitable attendants made generous donations.

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2009

University Park Clubhouse Fundraiser: Irvine, CA - June 14, 2009

A beautiful private fundraising gathering kindly put on by Ms. Farahnaz Mahini. Ms. Saideh Ghods, Ms. Fereshteh Tavakoli, and Ms. Negin Tafazzoli spoke to the group of 50 guests in attendance. A light dinner, poetry recitations and beautiful live music were enjoyed by the group as well.

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Visionary of the Year Award - May 30, 2009

Costa Mesa , CA Coastline Community College headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and serving more than 14,000 students locally each year bestows Visionary of the Year Awards. The awards honor outstanding leaders who have demonstrated passion and support for education, leadership achievements and community improvement efforts locally and afar. Mrs. Fereshteh Tavakoli, Co-founder and Chair of ISCC was honored as Coastline Community College Foundation's 2009 Visionary of the Year for her vision, passion, leadership and outstanding philanthropic efforts.

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Norooz Bazaar in support of Mahak : Costa Mesa, CA - March 14, 2009

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2008

Private Fundraiser at Dr. Susan Daijavad’s Residence - May 31, 2008

An elegant gathering of more than 100 guests was held at the beautiful residence of Dr. Susan Daijavad in Atherton. After presentations by members of ISCC’s Board of Directors the charitable attendants made generous donations.

Celebration & Hope Fundraiser - May 17, 2008

First ever fundraiser for ISCC was held in conjunction with PASHA (Persian American Society for Health Advancement) at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. The event was a great success with more than 370 people in attendance.

Music & Art World Norooz Dance Festival - January 23, 2008

A presentation was made by Mrs. Tavakoli to a group of young parents. Activities of Mahak and ISCC were explained and Pari’s Readathon Project presented.

PASHA (Persian American Society for Health Advancement) Seminar at UCLA - May 2, 2008

A presentation was made by Mrs. Mohammadzadeh to a group of doctors, medical and pre-med. UCLA students. Both Mrs. Tavakoli and Mrs. Mohammadzadeh answered questions after the session. A number of those present signed up as young volunteers to help ISCC.

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IAMA (Iranian American Medical Association) – Javaan Annual Conference - January 19, 2008

At this annual gathering of young Iranian physicians, Mrs. Mohammadzadeh introduced Mahak and ISCC to the crowd of about 60 people.

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Rancho Park Rotary Club - January 16, 2008

Mrs. Tavakoli made a presentation in Farsi to a group of 50 Rotarians about Mahak and ISCC and their respective goals and activities.

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2007

12th Annual NIPOC (Network of Iranian American Professionals of Orange County) Mehregan Festival - October 13-14, 2007

ISCC had a booth at the event in Orange County run by a group of young volunteers. Information was given out to attendees and donations were collected.

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Ibn Sina Foundation - September 30, 2007

Mrs. Tavakoli and Mohammadzadeh made a presentation at this organization in Orange County with nearly 200 people in attendance. Funds were donated to help ISCC in its mission.

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APSIH (Association of Professors and Scholars of Iranian Heritage) - April 22, 2007

Scholarship Event Information Booth set up to introduce MAHAK & ISCC to members and event attendees.

Los Angeles Marathon - March 4, 2007

A team of 7 young volunteers represented ISCC at the L.A. Marathon.

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Laguna Hills Fundraiser - February 24, 2007

Soheila Afshari hosted a private fundraising gathering at her home in Laguna Hills.

Harbor View Community Clubhouse Fundraiser - February 18, 2007

Our biggest private fundraising gathering kindly put on by Ms. Shahla Nowroozi. All expenses were donated by a group of charitable friends. Ms. Fereshteh Tavakoli and Ms. Kiana Sharifi spoke at the event while 15 young volunteers helped out. There were 150 people in attendance.

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KIRN 670 AM - January 4, 2007

Mrs. Tavakoli, along with the organization's volunteer Sara Mohammadian, were invited to speak with radio show host Mrs. Ardalan about the history and mission of both ISCC and MAHAK.

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2006

Persian American Society for Health Advancement (PASHA) - November 1, 2006

Mrs. Tavakoli introduced ISCC and MAHAK to the group at UCLA. She is invited to speak again at a later date.

Westlake Village Chapter of Rotary International - October 27, 2006

Mrs. Tavakoli & Jahanbeglary were invited to introduce ISCC to the club. The organization's dedicated volunteer Saman Mohammadian spoke specifically about the young members of ISCC and the extent of their involvement.

Mehregan Festival at Pierce College - October 22, 2006

ISCC exhibit successfully run solely by young volunteers to help spread the word about ISCC and MAHAK.

Ibn Sina Foundation - October 15, 2006

Second invitation by this organization in Orange County with nearly 120 people in attendance. Mrs. Tavakoli spoke about the ISCC and our young group of volunteers were present to collect funds donated. This fundraising event had a better result than anticipated.

11th Annual NIPOC Mehregan Festival - September 9-10, 2006

ISCC had an exhibit at the event in Orange County run by young volunteers to help spread the word about ISCC & MAHAK. It was a huge success.

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KIRN 670 AM - August 28, 2006

Mrs. Tavakoli & Jahanbeglary were guests of a radio show introducing the history and mission of MAHAK & ISCC.

Niosha Dance Academy - May 12, 2006

Mrs. Niosha Nafei, founder of the academy in Sacramento, CA invited Kiana Sharifi to speak on behalf of ISCC prior to a live performance. Half of the proceeds from the program was donated to ISCC.

The Los Angeles Marathon - March 19, 2006

IMAN Foundation - January 3, 2006

Mrs. Tavakoli & Jahanbeglary made a presentation introducing ISCC to IMAN members

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2005/ 2004

Ibn Sina Foundation (Educational/Cultural Institute) - October 23, 2005

Mrs. Tavakoli & Jahanbeglary introduce ISCC to an audience of 120 people

Mrs. Ghods & Dr. Karbasizadeh in the U.S. - 2004-2005

Message of Mahak & ISCC spread

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