Photo by Victah

Dinner to be held May 19, 2005 in Washington, D.C. at the Capital Hilton
Meb Keflezighi, Eritrean-American Olympic Silver Medalist and top United States distance runner will be honored at the Eritrean Development Foundation's benefit dinner. The event will be held on May 19, 2005 at 6:00 PM, at the Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Meb became the first American man since 1976 to win an Olympic medal in the men's marathon, taking the silver for the United States at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens. He cemented his place among the world's best runners by coming in second at the ING New York City Marathon in November 2004 and achieved the best United States men's finish in New York in over 10 years.

Meb was born in Asmara, Eritrea and immigrated to the United States with his family at age 12 with no knowledge of English and limited means. In 1998, he became a United States citizen and graduated from UCLA in 1999, majoring in communications and business administration.

"Meb is an inspiration to all new Americans and his story demonstrates the power of the American Dream," said Ghebre Selassie Mehreteab, 2005 EDF Dinner Chairman who is the Chief Executive Officer of the NHP Foundation. "Meb and his family have shown that hard work, determination and sacrifice can transform one's circumstances and perfectly embody the spirit of the Eritrean Development Foundation's activities in Eritrea," added Dr. Yacob Fisseha, Chairman of the Eritrean Development Foundation Board of Directors.

Eritrea Development Foundation The Eritrean Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, humanitarian organization working to promote economic, social and cultural development in Eritrea. Funds raised from this benefit dinner will enable the Foundation to continue and expand its relief, development and humanitarian efforts, which include HIV/AIDS awareness and education, nutritional supplements for women and children, water catchments project, a summer youth camp and book drives.

For more information, please call the Eritrean Development Foundation at 202-783-3273 or visit www.edfonline.org.

Levels of support and participation: Patron - $10,000 and above (Table of 10 and VIP reception) Benefactor - $5,000 and above (Table of 10 and VIP reception) Sponsor - $2,500 and above (5 tickets and VIP reception) Supporter - $500 and above (1 ticket and VIP reception) Friend - $150 (1 ticket and reception)