Bright Stars of Bethlehem warmly invites you to join us for our 6th annual virtual fundraising gala, the "Hope Abounds Gala." This inspiring evening will take place on Saturday, September 13th, at 5 P.M. PDT, 6 P.M. MDT, 7 P.M. CDT, and 8 P.M. EDT.
You can participate from the comfort of your own home, gather with friends at a watch party, or join us in person at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 1000 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC. Please note that space for in-person attendance is limited, so be sure to secure your spot soon!
Get ready to be moved by captivating stories from the talented students of Dar al-Kalima University and hear inspiring updates from the ground in Palestine. Save the date by registering below, and be part of an evening filled with abounding hope!
FEATURING
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
Rev. Raheb is a prominent Palestinian theologian and the author of over 50 books, translated into eleven languages. He is an acclaimed international speaker, having addressed the U.S. Congress, the German Bundestag, and various European parliaments. He has lectured at prestigious universities like Yale, Harvard, and Princeton and delivered keynote speeches at major events, including the National Prayer Breakfast. His work has been featured in significant media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Al-Jazeera, and he appeared in a 2012 segment on CBS's 60 Minutes about Christians in the Holy Land.
Rick Steves
Rick Steves is an American travel writer, author, and television personality known for his travel philosophy that promotes exploring less-touristy areas and immersing oneself in local cultures. Since 2000, he has hosted the public television series Rick Steves' Europe and has a public radio show called Travel with Rick Steves. He is also the author of several travel guides, starting with Europe Through the Back Door. In 2006, he became a syndicated newspaper columnist, and in 2010, he launched the mobile app "Rick Steves’ Audio Europe." In addition to his travel work, Steves supports humanitarian initiatives in Palestine.
Our Brief History
In 1995, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb launched educational, arts, and healthcare programs at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, his congregation in Bethlehem, Palestine. He also began meeting with pilgrimage tours to promote cultural and spiritual exchange, guiding pilgrims to areas in the West Bank that are often overlooked by organized tours. The success of these programs attracted the attention of several supporters in the U.S., including Rich Bimler and Gregg Smith from Wheat Ridge Ministries (now known as We Raise) and the well-known author and poet, Herb Brokering. Working together with Rev. Raheb, they founded an independent U.S.-based nonprofit organization, which was established in 2004 under the name Bright Stars of Bethlehem.
By 2006, Dar al-Kalima University (DAK) was established. DAK was the first institution of higher education in Palestine solely dedicated to the arts. Its first class of 22 students graduated in 2008, and now there are more than 500 students enrolled. Bright Stars accomplishes its mission through scholarships and the construction of new facilities to help Dar al-Kalima meet the ongoing need for education and employment training in Palestine. In this way, we empower the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine.
How To Get Involved
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HOST A WATCH PARTY
Invite your fellow supporters to join you for an enriching evening in your home, office, or community center to experience the Gala together. Gather for a powerful viewing of captivating stories from the talented students of Dar al-Kalima University, along with inspiring updates directly from the ground in Palestine. Let’s unite in support and make a meaningful impact together!
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BECOME A SPONSOR
Your support for the Gala is essential for the ongoing success and expansion of our programs. Would you be willing to make an impact by sponsoring our 6th Annual Fundraising Gala at one of the levels outlined on the next page? Your contribution can truly make a difference!
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DONATE TO OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION is to raise awareness and support for Dar al-Kalima University, the first and only university of arts, culture, and design in all of Palestine.
Prepare to be inspired by heartfelt stories from the talented students of Dar al-Kalima University, along with uplifting updates from Palestine. Mark your calendars, register below, and be a part of an evening filled with hope and resilience!
Date: Saturday, September 13th
Time: 5 P.M. PDT, 6 P.M. MDT, 7 P.M. CDT, and 8 P.M. EDT.
Location: Join us virtually or in person at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 1000 E. Morehead St, Charlotte, NC.
Doors open at 7 P.M. EDT. Hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and authentic Yemen coffee will be provided.
JOIN US VIRTUALLY
JOIN US IN PERSON
2025 Raffle Items
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#1 BRACELET & EARRINGS SET
Bracelet and earrings crafted by a Dar al-Kalima University student, featuring raw stones embedded in a stunning leaf design. The bracelet measures 6.5 inches, and the set is made from sterling silver.
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#2 IPAD & AIRPODS
Get ready to elevate your tech experience! We're excited to offer a fantastic raffle featuring an Apple iPad 11-inch model paired with the latest 4th generation AirPods. This perfect duo is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their productivity, entertainment, and music enjoyment.
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#3 NECKLACE
Beautiful hand crafted necklace by a Dar al-Kalima University student, featuring raw stones embedded in a rectangular design. The bracelet measures 18 inches, and the set is made from sterling silver.
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#4 WOMEN'S WALLET & SCARF
Authentic Palestinian handmade items from Dar al-Kalima University students featuring embroidery on the scarf and custom artwork on the wallet.
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#5 WOMEN'S ROUND PURSE
Authentic Palestinian olive tree embroidered black round purse with an adjustable strap and a hidden pocket inside.
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#6 COFFEE MUG & TRAY WITH YEMEN COFFEE
Handcrafted coffee tray, coffee mug, and a bag of authentic Yemen coffee from Almoka Coffee in Rockford, IL. The tray measures 8 ½ x 12 ½ inches, and the standard coffee cup is made by the students of Dar al-Kalima University.
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#7 GAZA BOX & MEN'S WALLET
Handcrafted and painted Gaza box, along with a custom-made men’s leather wallet made by a student at Dar al-Kalima University.
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#8 CANDLE STICKS & TABLE MAT
Wood from trees in Palestine was used by a Dar al-Kalima University student to create these gorgeous candlesticks, while another student crafted a beautiful table runner. The candlesticks measure 6 1/2 inches, and the runner is 22 1/2 x 10 inches.
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#9 CACTUS CUP & PUZZLE
As you sip from this 3-dimensional cactus mug made by a student at Dar al-Kalima University, put together the map of the Old City of Jerusalem.
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#10 SPICES, COOK BOOK, & DISPENSER
Bring the flavors of Palestine into your home with authentic spices and a cookbook that teaches you how to prepare Palestinian dishes. This set comes with a convenient spray dispenser.
