FRIENDS OF MONGOLIA	™
A National Peace Corps Association Affiliated Organization

Messrs. Smith and Sommerville

On June 28, 2009 Friends of Mongolia members and friends gathered at Ambassador Al LaPorta’s home in Washington, DC to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of FOM. Founding members were at the event including FOM board member Patrick Sommerville and Rick Smith. The event featured traditional Mongolian food (huushuur, buuz, chanasan makh, orom,  and various green vegetable and egg salads) prepared by Amraa, Mongolian poetry read and translated by Saruul Myagmar of the Mongolian Cultural Center (and former Peace Corps language trainer),  and Mongolian and Italian opera songs performed by Saran Erdenebat.

In addition, the Mongolian Ambassador to the United States, Bekhbat and the Mongolian Embassy staff were on hand to celebrate, as well as Principal Munguntsetseg Frankosky and teachers from the Mongolian School of the National Capital Area (MSNCA), the Asia/Pacific Regional Director for Peace Corps David Burgess, and around 40 FOM members and friends.

Ambs. Bekbat and LaPorta

Founding FOM members Patrick Sommerville and Rick Smith reminisced about the beginnings of Friends of Mongolia and marveled over the growth of the organization in the last 10 years. Mongolian Ambassador Bekhbat presented Ambassador Al LaPorta and Friends of Mongolia with a picture and a CD collection of Mongolian long songs to commemorate the 10th Anniversary, and Head of the Consular Affairs section G. Ganbold gave a short speech of appreciation for FOM’s efforts on behalf of the Mongolian people. In all, the event was a great success, allowing various members of FOM to meet, share memories, and to educate others about the goals and mission of the organization. Happy anniversary FOM!

Silent Auction

On February 25, 2009 Friends of Mongolia (FOM) held a happy hour fundraiser at the favorite RPCV haunt -- Haydee’s Restaurant -- in Washington D.C.’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood.  Friends of Mongolia officers and members wore their finest Mongolian clothes to celebrate the Mongolian New Year and to give the other guests a taste of Mongolian culture.  The event was well attended and included former RPCVs who had served in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia as well as members of the international development community, friends, and family of FOM members.  One of the highlights was the silent auction.  Competition was stiff as guests bid over Mongolian prints, ankle bones, wallets, and various other items generously donated by FOM supporters.  Haydee’s restaurant also contributed 30 percent of all sales that evening to FOM.  Between restaurant sales, new memberships, general donations and the silent auction, FOM received $1,390. 

RPCVs in Dels

The purpose of the event was to raise money for FOM's scholarship program which is now entering its 4th year. In 2008 FOM provided 18 full tuition scholarships to college students in Mongolia, and in 2009 we are looking to fund a similar amount of outstanding students. Given the relatively inexpensive rates of tuition in Mongolia each and every contribution to the program has a significant impact. The money raised at Haydee's Restaurant amounts to 2 full tuition scholarships. That means that just by coming together and giving $20, $50, or $100, each person in attendance has set in motion the potential to positively impact the lives of 2 students in the coming year. Thanks to everyone who came, donated, and helped out!

If you were unable to attend the fundraising event but you would like to contribute to the program, please donate today online by clicking here. All donations to FOM are tax deductible.