NAO’s Activities in the first two year period: 2001-2003
Regular Activities
Since being formally organized, NAO has continued the regular activities of observing and celebrating Nepali cultural festivals and significant events.
We organized following regular activities:
- Nepali New Year celebration (Bkiram Sambat 2058, Bkiram Sambat 2059)
- Vijaya Dashami celebration in 2001 and 2002
- Summer Picnic 2001
We did not organize summer picnic in 2002.
Activities to reach out the local communities
- Asian Celebration in Eugene in February 2001
NAO was represented in the 17th Asian Celebration Festival at Eugene. NAO community members presented a variety program of Nepali dances at the event.
- Asian Heritage Celebration in May 2001
NAO presented a variety cultural program including folk dances, musical presentation and songs by talented local Nepali artists.
- Joint Picnic with Seattle Nepali Society and Vancouver Nepali Society at Vancouver in 2002.
NAO members participated in the joint picnic and friendly soccer match.
- New Year Program in Seattle
NAO participated in a dance program at Nepali Seattle Society’s New Year celebration program in April, 2002.
- Award for the Voluntary Contribution by the Asian Reporter Agency:
Active executive member of NAO Daya Shakya received “the Finest Volunteer Effort Award” by the local Asian Reporter Agency for his long and continuous voluntary contributions to the Nepali community in Oregon.
- Eugene/Kathmandu Sister City
NAO participated the meetings and functions of the group in Eugene.
Fund raising
NAO, with the enthusiastic support and active voluntary participation of large number of community members, organized two events to generate funds for the organization.
I. Momo Bhela
NAO president Raju Mali and the first lady Minu Mali hosted a Momo Bhela at their residence as a part of the NAO fundraising activity in June 2002. About 40 people participated and we raised a net of $337.
II. Himalayan Night
Another major fundraising activity of NAO was the organization of Himalayan Night in August 2002 at PSU campus. This was a not only a major public fundraising activity for NAO, but was also a community function to introduce Nepali community and its culture to the people of Oregon. Over 250 people attended the program and 60% were American friends.
The program was heavily promoted in the local community through the posters and advertisements in the local papers and radio. A total of 26 artists from Portland, Salem, Eugene and Seattle took part in the program, sponsored by several local businesses. Artists spent almost every weekends over three months in the summer for the rehearsal. We raised a net of $2235.
Support to other community activities
- NAO organized a memorial service to the late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev and Queen Aishowrya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah and other members of royal family who were killed in the palace massacre in June 2001.
- NAO has supported the US West Coast Taekwondo School’s team trip to Nepal in 2000 and 2002.
- We welcome a noted bicyclist from Nepal, Mr. Puskar Shah in Portland. He was in a mission to a peace tour of the World on bicycle. Members of our community raised over $1500 in cash and material contributions for his cause.
Other Activities in the community:
- A first ever Soccer tournament of Nepali community in Portland was organized by the Nepali youths community in Portland in the Fall of 2002.
- Annual Dipawali, Maah Pooja and Newah New Year 11—was celebrated in November 2002.
NAO registration:
NAO is officially registered as a non-profit organization with the Office of Secretary of State, Oregon. Its constitution and by-laws are approved and is available on the NAO website.
New NAO website and Email group
- NAO has started its own official website: http://www www.nepaloregon.org so that community members will have easy and prompt access to information regarding NAO activities. We are working toward making it more resourceful and relevant to our community.
- We are also maintaining an group email: Nepaloregon@yahoogroups.com.
- We are continuing the publication of our newsletter, “Namastae” twice a year.
Condolences
Finally in this two year period, we have lost two young and good people from our community. Santosh Karki and Sangita Raghubansh. Our deepest sympathy to the grieving families. We will forever miss them.
| NAO Income-Expense Summary (CY 2001-2003) |
| Income |
|
| 2001 Dasain Celebration Total |
$1,452.00 |
| 2001 Summer Picnic Total |
$516.00 |
| 2001 Nepali New Year Celebration Total |
$228.00 |
| 2002 Dasain Celebration Total |
$1,309.84 |
| 2002 Momo Bhela Total |
$429.00 |
| 2002 Nepali New Year Celebration Total |
$817.92 |
| Administrative Expenses Total |
$900.00 |
| Community Activities Expenses Total |
$0.00 |
| 2002 Himalayan Night Total |
$4,496.00 |
| Total NAO Income |
$10,148.76 |
| |
|
| Expenditure |
|
| 2001 Dasain Celebration Total |
$1,395.21 |
| 2001 Summer Picnic Total |
$296.39 |
| 2001 Nepali New Year Celebration Total |
$153.87 |
| 2002 Dasain Celebration Total |
$1,016.07 |
| 2002 Momo Bhela Total |
$91.54 |
| 2002 Nepali New Year Celebration Total |
$707.39 |
| Administrative Expenses Total |
$1,208.69 |
| Community Activities Expenses Total |
$460.00 |
| 2002 Himalayan Night Total |
$2,260.96 |
Total NAO Expenses
|
$7,590.12 |
| |
|
| Total Balance (as of March 31, 2003) |
$2,558.64
|
| NAO Transactions Income Expenses |
| CY 2001-03 Total Cash Transactions |
$1,210.00 |
1,210.00 |
| CY 2001-03 Total Check Transactions |
$8,938.76 |
6,380.12 |
| Total |
$10,148.76 |
$7,590.12
|
Note: The NAO income-expenditure includes both cash and bank transactions. |
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