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University of San Francisco, The Center for Child and Family Development benefit concert: “ An Evening with Sattar” on Sunday, May 22 was a great success!
The concert began with a bi-lingual introduction by Dr. Laleh Shahideh, the elegant Master of Ceremonies. After giving the audience an overview of the Center’s mission, Dr Shahideh introduced Sheena Sattarpour, Administrative Director of the Center and Sattar’s daughter.
Sheena introduced Maestro Sattar (The WAALM Award Winning Vocalist of 2005) with grace and humor and her spot-on imitations filled the theater with good-natured laughter and applause. Sheena introduced her father as her hero and the concert began with Maestro Sattar entering the stage to stirring music.
The Presentation Theater of School of Education was filled with enthusiastic applause for the magical performance of Sattar and his 4 musicians.
Singing in a language other than English, Maestro Sattar, like Andrea Bocelli and Il Volo, spoke in a language of the heart. “I felt he was speaking directly to my spirit” said Judy Giampaoli, the Director of the School Outreach Program. “It was a beautiful and moving experience” said Judy Goodell, a faculty member from the Counseling Psychology Department.
After 1 ½ hours and Sattar’s completion of the last song request, the concert ended with thunderous applause and cheering. Laleh again took the stage and encouraged the audience to consider making donations using the “Be a Child’s Hero” remittance envelopes in their programs. She then introduced Dr. Brian A. Gerrard in his role as Executive Director of the Center. A portion of his speech in which he presented Sattar with the Center’s award follows:
“The Center for Child and Family Development has a special award to honor persons in the community who make a unique contribution to children and families. Two previous recipients are Dr. Nancy Iverson, who works with children with cancer, and Cloe Madanes, the internationally famous family therapist who works with physically and sexually abused children…
… Tonight we honor Sattar for his humanitarian work in aiding many children’s organizations, such as the orphanage in Tajikistan mentioned in your program. We also honor him for his commitment to social justice reflected in the deep empathy and compassion for the suffering of others that flows through his music. In one of his songs the English translation is: “I grieve…hurtfulness is everywhere…” Sattar, the Center for Child and Family Development is pleased to present you with the 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children and Families.”
L-R:Dr. Brian Gerrard; Sheena Sattarpour, Maestro Sattar; Matthew Chalhoub
The VIP reception followed in Rm 119 with outstanding Persian food of great variety. Attendees received a signed poster of Maestro Sattar and most had their photo taken with him.
It was a magical event with great success.
USF – Center for Child and Family Development still welcomes your support and donations. Please contact them HERE
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