Ladies and Gentlemen, Old Friends & New Ones, Honored Guests,
As I look around the room this evening at the sea of smiling faces — I see friends I’ve known for many years, And I also see some I have yet to come to know.
I am honored, beyond measure, to be here, among you and I could not be prouder to have been chosen as the recipient of the Philanthropy Award by the Albanian American Women’s Organization “Motrat Qiriazi” Thank you Thank you.
It must be said that organizations are only as good as the people who serve and are committed to them. Historically, these people are the lifeblood of the organization.
That said, I would like to recognize and thank a few people.
It Started with Shqipe Biba on February 5th, 1993, gathered on her son’s birthday “Motrat Qiriazi” was born. Dear Shqipe we are grateful!
I wish to acknowledge Dr. Anna Kohen, for her leadership and guidance, as longtime President of AAWO, and the current President of the Florida Chapter. Dr Kohen introduced me to the AAWO “Motrat Qiriazi” 6 years ago. Since then, the Kosloski Foundation continues to support AAWO with different educational and community outreach programs in New York and Florida.
I also would like to thank and acknowledge the outstanding current President of the AAWO “Motrat Qiriazi” Beti Beno esquire, for her tireless efforts as president since 2016. On behalf of the organization, as well as the board of directors we thank you Beti.
There is no one who has given more — or who is more deserving of our gratitude and respect for her ongoing work with AAWO, and for gathering all of us here tonight – THANK YOU Beti!
*Ms. Fotoni Allteni Kosloski Foundation, Director, and Trustee Speech AAWO “Motrat Qiriazi” Gala
October 14, 2023, New York.