Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley: 25 years

The Islamic Center of the San Gabriel Valley held a gala fundraising dinner on August 17t at Knotts Berry Farm, celebrating its 25th year anniversary. Even as the congregation celebrates its success it is looking forward to expand and efforts are on to raise $3 million for a new building which can meet the needs of a growing congregation.

The Muslim leaders are looking forward to a new building large enough to house all the students under one roof. The complex will include a large prayer hall, state-of the art classrooms, medical clinic, library and a proposed day-care center.

The center’s executive council believes a new building will serve as a focal point for their members’ lives, offering programs to help preserve their Muslim identity.

Preliminary plans have been approved by the county, according to the council. They hope to break ground later this year.

Muzaffar Ali, vice president of the center, said more than 800 people attended the gala 25th anniversary dinner and fundraiser last week.

“The mayor of Walnut (Tom Sykes) attended our celebration. We raised between $350,000 and $400,000 for our new center,” Ali said.

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