330 East Roosevelt Road, Suite G5, Lombard, IL 60148 - Ph.: 630.629.7490 – Fax: 630.629.7492
Contact: Farhan Younus, Esq. [Chair, CIOGC Media Relations Committee - fyounus@ciogc.org, 630-926-5566]

PRESS RELEASE
Chicago - Tuesday, December 30, 2003

CHICAGOLAND MUSLIMS ESTABLISH RELIEF FUND FOR IRAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) an umbrella organization representing over 400,000 Muslims throughout Chicagoland, announces the establishment of a charitable fund for victims of the recent earthquakes in Iran. In response to the worldwide appeal by the thousands of victims of this tragic natural disaster, the CIOGC is accepting financial donations for distribution to the affected people of Iran.

Kareem Irfan, Chairman of the CIOGC stated, "We appeal to our fellow Chicagoans to join us in this time of spiritual reflection by giving generously to the victims of the Iran earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered and their loved ones." The CIOGC has coordinated Chicagoland mosques in focusing on the Iran earthquake and its victims during sermons accompanying Friday congregational prayers. Mosques throughout Chicagoland will be raising funds during these prayers.

In addition, the CIOGC will be sponsoring a fundraising dinner for Iran earthquake relief efforts. The dinner is co-sponsored by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). The dinner will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at the Islamic Foundation of Villa Park, 300 W. Highridge Road, Villa Park, Illinois, 60181.

Donations for Iran earthquake relief efforts can be sent to:

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago 330 E. Roosevelt Road Suite G5 Lombard, Illinois 60148

Please make the check payable to "CIOGC" and write Iran Earthquake Relief in the memo portion of the check.

*********************************************************