Over 220 guests joined the NCCM including community leaders, provincial and federal politicians as well as media representatives.  The evening's proceedings featured a keynote speech by author and academic Dr. Reza Aslan and also included the presentation of an award to honour the York Regional Police (YRP) for their efforts to embody, through their words and actions, the force's motto of "Deeds Speak".

Author Dr. Reza Aslan (@rezasaslan) speaks at the NCCM 2014 Gala

Detective Constable Mark Topping (left) accepting an award for community service and professionalism on behalf of the York Regional Police from @NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee (right)

The NCCM is also grateful to the evening's Special Guest Master of Ceremonies and Canadian actor Zaib Shaikh, who many know from his role as the Imam on CBC's Little Mosque on the Praire, who kept the crowd entertained and engaged.

NCCM's Special Guest Master of Ceremonies Canadian actor and activist @Zaib_Shaikh

Flickr: View more Gala photos here 

NCCM Board Chair Kashif A. Ahmed, JD addressed the audience with a presentation featuring highlights of NCCM's work over the past two years, including the launch of the organization's new name in mid-2013.

NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee presented an award for professionalism and commitment to NCCM's longest serving employee, GTA Community Relations Coordinator Maryam Dadabhoy, for her 10 years of service.  Her dedication to NCCM's vision and mission of being a leading voice that enriches Canadian society through Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights is a model for future generations.  

The NCCM was honoured to host elected representatives including members of both provincial and federal parliaments.  MPs Andrew Cash and Dan Harris gave their best wishes on behalf the federal NDP caucus and the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Thomas Mulcair. Liberal MPs Hon. John McCallum and Dr. Kirsty Duncan gave greetings on behalf of their leader Justin Trudeau. Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Glen Murray expressed greetings on behalf of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. MPP for Trinity-Spadina Rosario Marchese conveyed the greetings of the Ontario NDP and its leader Andrea Horwath.  

NCCM's 2013 Annual Review was also released at the Gala, and is available for download on NCCM's newly launched web site.  

NCCM would like to, once again, thank its generous Gala sponsors (in alphabetical order) for helping to make this event a remarkable success:

Al Rashid Mosque - Edmonton

Captain Printworks

Kutty Syed and Mohamed (KSM) Law

Muslim Association of Calgary

Windsor Islamic Association (WIA)

The Board and staff also extends it's heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and supporters behind the scenes whose work often goes unnoticed.   Keep visiting NCCM's web site and social media pages to see updates from the Gala including pictures and videos.