U.S. Newswire : Releases : "Afghan Ambassador's Wife Speaks at the Minasian Rug Company in Evanston, Ill.

U.S. Newswire : Releases : "Afghan Ambassador's Wife Speaks in Evanston, Ill. on Jan. 19": "Afghan Ambassador's Wife Speaks in Evanston, Ill. on Jan. 19

1/13/2006 2:25:00 PM
Contact: Franco La Marca of Arzu, 312-804-4615 or fslamarca@aol.com

CHICAGO, Jan. 13 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Shamim Jawad, wife of His Excellency Said T. Jawad, Afghan ambassador to the United States, will speak at the opening night reception for Arzu's exhibit at the Minasian Rug Company in Evanston, Ill. Additional speaker includes Arzu's Founder and President Connie Duckworth. The ongoing exhibit celebrates the artistry of Afghan rug making.

A Chicago-based not-for-profit, Arzu's mission is to improve the lives of Afghan women, their families and communities, through the sourcing of handcrafted Afghan rugs.

The elegant reception will feature Arzu's rug collection on exhibit alongside photos of the Afghan women that wove them in hope of generating rug sales and donations to facilitate Arzu's cause. Guests will enjoy cocktails and assorted appetizers provided by Jewell Events Catering. The guest list of over 200 VIPs includes prominent members of Chicago's business, finance, diplomatic, and design communities. The reception promises to be a highlight of Chicago's winter social calendar. RSVPs are not required but advised, as space is limited.

Mrs. Jawad will be speaking on current changes in Afghan society as well as the positive impact the U.S. and Arzu have had on the lives of the destitute women and their families. Duckworth will emphasize the need for private sector investment by giving an overview of Arzu's mission, accomplishments, and current direction.

All Arzu rugs are woven on looms in the homes of the weavers. Each unique piece is hand-woven and made with natural dyes. They range from 3' x 5' to 8' x 14' with prices from $600 to $15,000. Each rug weaves a story, reflecting thoughts, experiences and emotions of the women weavers. The rugs have attracted the attention of prominent Chicago designer, Arzu rug owner and confirmed guest, Holly Hunt:

"These handmade rugs reflect a beauty not possible in machine made rugs. I appreciate the love, care and time these women put into making these rugs to support their families."

Event Details:

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 19, Reception 6:30 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Minasian Rug Company, 1244 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202

To RSVP, please contact Natalie Rulong: 312-321-8664

Minasian Rug Company Showroom Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To view Arzu rugs by appointment, please contact Suzana Denovich, sales director, Arzu, Inc. at: 312-321-8675 or to view Arzu rugs online: http://www.arzurugs.org

Arzu, meaning "hope" in Dari, breaks the cycle of poverty by compensating the women weavers at 150 percent of the prevailing rate and by providing access to education and healthcare. Proceeds from the rug sales go directly to the Afghan Operations Program. Arzu, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.

Business woman and social entrepreneur Connie Duckworth is an active member of the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations initiative on women and foreign policy, and an advisory director of the Business Council for Peace. She is a retired partner and managing director of Goldman, Sachs, & Co., where she was named the first woman sales and trading partner in the firm's history during her 20 year career.

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