PRINCE Salman's Social Center held its twelfth “Camaraderie Meeting” Saturday evening in a full house and well-organized event lasting three hours. In honor of Princess Hessah Bint Fahad Bin Khaled Al-Saud, the center held a special program in its auditorium for female members of the center and registered guests. Simultaneously, an open bazar - lasting until Thursday - offering food items, home and fashion accessories, individually designed clothes and other interesting nicknacks was held in the open and within the many halls of the center. Fatima Al-Onezy's introductory speech inaugurated the event, followed by a recital of the holy Qur'an by Nahid Hasanein, an individual who was rewarded later for her participation in the event. The center's ladies' section's director Huda Abdulaziz Al-Nu'aim welcomed the guests and thanked the guests of honor warmly before commenting that the ‘Camaraderie Meeting' is a gathering held at the start of each year to reflect on earlier achievements and appreciate the efforts of those who have participated in all activities. She extended thanks in particular to the Arabian Building Support & Rehabilitation Co. Ltd. (ABSAR), the sponsor of the event, and poets Badriah Al-Saeed and Anfas ElJorooh ( of ‘Breaths of Wounds' fame) who she claimed, ‘have added magical musicality to the evening.' “Fourteen years have passed since the establishment of this center wherein we have shared both happiness and unhappiness,” she remarked in her trademark lucid style. “We have become one family, one unit and one hand whose parts contribute with innovative ideas and wise judgement to help support and develop the center.” Following a series of speeches, came the poetry soiree where poets recited their work and appreciated soundly by the receptive audience. The last hour of the meeting was devoted to handing out prizes to the members and employees as well as a raffle draw. In a conversation with Princess Hessah, she appeared modestly reticent about commenting on the success of the evening. “I cannot say what I think of it,” she remarked. “I am like the host here, but the evening was great and I thank Saudi Gazette for its coverage and for speaking to me.” Al-Nu'aim explained that the goal of the meeting was to have members participate in the ceremony. “Before, we even had members who would recite poetry,” she commented. “Now that we have begun inviting guest poets.” She, too, was modest about the apparent success of the bazar. “We did not find it challenging to prepare for this evening and the bazar in two months,” she said. “We have also held, similar, important events such as International Breast Cancer Day and awareness days for other illnesses.” “The bazar's objective is to help the youth start their own small businesses,” she added. A smiling Umm Ibrahim, who has been a member of the center for three years also spoke to the Saudi Gazette and asserted the view that the center was doing a wonderful job and had dedicated members participating to it. Another member Miznah, had a few suggestions to make. “Everything about the center is great,” she started. “Only, it is becoming crowded. I suggest they build more branches, particularly as older women find it difficult to visit (the center) from remote localities in Riyadh.” Currently the center is located on King Abdullah Street and provides distinct cultural, social, and recreational (including sports) services for both men and women within a reasonable price range. It is aimed primarily at helping the elderly, but has lately expanded age groups to include teenagers in an attempt to allow communication between generations and eliminate gaps.
