NMuslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area

28 Jumadi-uthani, 1436 EWSLETTER April 17, 2015 NMuslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area Effective 4/18 PRAYER TIMES MCA An-Noor TONIGHT Fajr Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Ishaa Juma Juma 5:40 1:30 5:30 Sunset 9:30 12:15 1:30 5:40 1:30 6:15 Sunset 9:30 12:15 1:30 UPCOMING EVENTS TONIGHT - Living an Interest Free Life - Living Islamic Psychology April 24 - Family and Immigration Law Seminar April 25 - Parents Night Out May 1 - Quran Conference Article - Sacred Month of Rajab - Quotes of Imam Gazali p. 3 p. 2 p. 4 p. 6 p. 10 HADITH Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Should anyone fall asleep at night and fail to recite his portion of the Qur an, or a part of it, if he recites it between the Fajr prayer and the Dhuhr prayer, it will be recorded for him as though he had recited it during the night. [Muslim] Reciting Surah Mulk at night before going to bed is a protection in the grave and intercedes for you. TO ADVERTISE WITH US, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.mcabayarea.org/newsletter MCA, c/o Newsletter, P.O. Box 180, Santa Clara, CA 95052 newsletter@mcabayarea.org www.mcabayarea.org (408) 727-7277 X416

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ALMANARA INSTITUTE In Collaboration with the MCA Presents INTRODUCTION TO THE ARABIC LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR: DR. KHALID OBEID (STANFORD UNIVERSITY) All Classes are held at the MCA Start Your Arabic Learning Journey Free Weekend Islamic School for Adults (Open to All Brothers & Sisters ) SATURDAYS 9:30am 10:30am LIFE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD By Abdul Rehman Markar 10:35am 11:30am READING QUR AN FOR BEGINNERS By Mamadou Ibrahim OPEN ENROLLMENT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! Location: MCA NEW Building 3033 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054 April 8 June 10 Wednesday 6:30 8:30 PM Course Fees: $200 This course is a beginning practical Arabic language course, which focuses on communicative skills of listening comprehension and speaking, and developing mastery of the Arabic writing system for basic reading and writing of simple sentences. Arabic letters are taught so that students will be able to communicate orally and in writing in the most essential everyday life situations. For more information and details: call (408) 858-3411 or email: kyobeid@hotmail.com 2573 Elliot St. Santa Clara, CA 95051 Phone: (408) 858-3411 Email: kyobeid@hotmail.com Website: www.almanarainstitute.com 11:35am 12:30pm FORTY AHADITH COMPILED BY IMAM AN-NAWAWI By Mamadou Ibrahim SUNDAYS 9:30am 10:30am (Room 1) MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF QUR AN By Hafiz Khan 9:30am 10:30am (Room 2) ARABIC FOR BEGINNERS By Mohammed Wasim & Nadeem Masood 10:35am 12:30pm (Combined Class) THEMES OF QUR AN & SELECTED COURSE OF QUR ANIC STUDIES COMPILED BY DR. ISRAR AHMED By Mamadou Ibrahim & Abdul Rehman Markar These Classes are offered by IONA (Santa Clara Chapter) with the sponsorship of MCA Da wah for past 8 years.! Important to Note:! Classes are ON-GOING From Weekend after New Year TO Mid June. Then From Weekend after Labor Day TO Mid December.! Teachers & Organizers are volunteers.! Monthly $20 donation suggested (Cash only) for miscellaneous expenses & MCA facility use.! Enrollment is accepted ONLY in the Class and it is open throughout the year.! You may attend either or both days. Please contact with questions if not already covered in here. Abdul Rehman Markar Tel: (408) 204-5122 Email: complus.data@gmail.com Opportunity for Converts to Islam Send your child to Granada Islamic School for free. Qader Family Scholarship This scholarship is funded by the Qader Family for children of new converts to Islam. To be eligible, at least one of the student s parents must be a new convert to Islam. This scholarship is available to students entering grades K-8 in academic year 2015-16 and is based on academic excellence. Parents may apply for and receive this scholarship multiple times. The deadline to apply has been extended to May 1, 2015. ------------------------------- Families will be informed of results in June 2015. For more details on these two scholarships, please visit our website www.granadaschool.org 5

FEATURED ARTICLE The Sacred Month of Rajab by Yusra Owais Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala exalted is He) has given a special status to certain days, months, places, and people. The Prophets of God are the most honored among mankind; Makkah is the holiest of all cities; Ramadan is the best month; and the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) is the greatest night of the year. Allah (swt) says in the Qur an: Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred [ ] (Qur an, 9:36) These four sacred months were mentioned by the Prophet (peace be upon him) during his farewell pilgrimage: O People! Time has gone back to how it was at the time Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. A year has twelve months, four of which are sacred, three consecutive, Dhul-Qi dah, Dhul- Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. (Bukhari) As we look through the Qur an and Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), we are taught to respect and honor what God and His Prophet have honored. These sacred months are a time for us to reflect on our lives, exert ourselves in extra worship and ask Allah (swt) for His forgiveness. Specifically, Allah (swt) reminds us to guard our actions during the sacred months: O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month [ ] (Qur an, 5:2) He (swt) reminds us not once but twice to be 6 careful of what we do during a sacred month: [ ] so do not wrong yourselves during them (i.e., the sacred months) [ ] (Qur an, 9:36) These two verses show us the importance of being a conscientious believer. The only way we can make sure we do not wrong ourselves during the sacred months is to be conscious of our actions. Time and time again we forget or are lax in our duties to God. Allah (swt) has given us these sacred months to turn back to Him and to take account of ourselves. The month of Rajab comes at an important time of the year for us. The coming of this month means that we are close to yet another Ramadan, God Willing. While the validity of certain narrations or specific acts of worship for this month are disputed, we as average Muslims can use this month with the intention to mentally and physically prepare for Ramadan. How can we honor the month of Rajab and use it as a preparation for Ramadan? Reflect on your Life and Deeds. Take some alone time and ask yourself the hard questions we normally don t like to think about: If I died today, where would I stand with Allah? Have I prepared for Ramadan? Have I been conscious of what I am saying and doing to those around me? Am I stagnant in my worship? Deprive your Nafs (lower self). I was with my brother one day and I mentioned that I was hungry and wanted to get something to eat. He told me: Teach your nafs a lesson. We shouldn t always give it what it wants. This does not mean that we starve ourselves or do not take

care of our bodies. One of the goals of Ramadan is to increase in our God-consciousness by not indulging ourselves with what our soul desires. Eat a simple meal for a few days instead of an expensive or huge meal. Wake up early and go for a walk. Pray extra prayers. Go to the mosque for fajr if you normally do not do so. Exert yourself and do something to teach your nafs a lesson. Fasting. There is no better way to prepare for Ramadan than to fast some extra days. A isha (radia Allahu `anha may God be pleased with her) was known to fast during the summer, and when the scholars would mention her habit, they would add: If the price is cheap, then everyone will buy it. Ibn Rajab explained: She wanted to do those actions that only a few were capable of due to how hard it was to do them, and this is indicative of the high aspirations she had. While we can t get out of having Ramadan in the summer, we can follow our mother A isha (ra) and be of the few that do something valuable before we are all obligated to fast. Now is the time to not only prepare for fasting but to gain some reward as the temperature rises. us to reach Ramadan and to make the month of Rajab, and the following month of Sha ban, a means for us to prepare for Ramadan. It is reported that the Prophet of God used to supplicate when Rajab came, O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha ban, and let us reach Ramadan. Take Care of Your Tree. Ibn Rajab used to say: The year is like a tree. The days of Rajab are its foliation. The days of Sha ban are its branching and the days of Ramadan are wherein its fruits are reaped. The reapers are the believers. It is befitting for the one who has blackened his pages with sins to whiten them with repentance in this month, and for the one who has squandered his life in idleness to profit in it from what remains of his life. Remember the Hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ said: Hell complained to its Lord saying: O Lord! My parts are eating (destroying) one another. So Allah allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in the summer. The breath in the summer is at the time when you feel the severest heat and the breath in the winter is at the time when you feel the severest cold. (Bukhari) Charity. Most of us do some act of charity every day without realizing it. In this sacred month, be charitable with the intention of pleasing God. Being courteous, helping someone, feeding another, saying a good word, sharing a reminder and even abstaining from doing a bad deed are all non-monetary forms of charity taught to us by the Messenger. Supplicate (make du`a ) to Allah. Ask for His forgiveness and guidance. Ask Allah (swt) to bless 7 Original Source: http://www.virtualmosque.com/islam-studies/islam-101/ belief-and-worship/the-sacred-month-of-rajab/

THE 2015 TAX FILING SEASON HAS BEGUN. FILE YOUR RETURN EARLY TO GET YOUR REFUND SOON. WE ARE HERE TO HELP. ALAM ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION, PC. KHORSHED ALAM MBA, MA(Econ), EA, CPA, CVA, ATA, ABA CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT 1799 Hamilton Avenue, Ste 206, San Jose, CA 95125 CALL US : 408-445-1120 www.alamcpatax.com Serving Clients Since 1981 YEAR ROUND PERSONALIZED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED SINCE 1981 TAX SOLUTIONS ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS TAX PLANNING & PREPARATION Financial Statement Compilation, Audit, & Review Individuals Sole Proprietorships Partnerships/LLC's/Corporations (C Corp & S Corp) Non-Profit Organizations Complex Tax Returns Amended Tax Returns Monthly Bookkeeping Services Sales Tax Return Preparation & Filing Monthly Payroll Services Payroll Filing 941, DE9, DE9C, DE88 940, W2, W3, 1096, 1099 Out of State Tax Returns Sales Tax Audit Representation (BOE) U.S. Fiduciary 1041 - CRUT/CRAT Audit Representation (IRS & Franchise Tax Board) Estate Taxes 706 / Gift Tax 709 / Family Living Trust Financial Planning/Debt Reduction INTERNATIONAL TAXATION AUDIT REPRESENTATION Resident/Non-Resident (Individuals & Corporations) WE REPRESENT TAXPAYERS BEFORE ALL FBAR & Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) TAXING AGENCIES SUCH AS THE IRS, BOARD Mandates Disclosure Else Possibility of Major Penalties OF EQUALIZATION AND FRANCHISE TAX BRD 8 3 $60 DISCOUNT ON YOUR TAX PREPARATION FEES DONE ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28, 2015 MGMT CONSULTING & BUSINESS VALUATION SERVICES Business Management Consulting IMATS (Integrated Management Accounting & Tax) Service for Small Business Solutions CFO/Mgmt Consulting Service Business Plan/New Business Setup Business Valuation TO SCHEDULE AN Buy/Sell Closely Held Corporations GUARANTEED TOP APPOINTMENT QUALITY SERVICE, PLEASE CALL US Mergers & Acquisition Service EFFICIENCY, 408-445-1120 Litigation Support: Divorce Cases ECONOMY & Community Property Valuation SATISFACTION Economic Loss Analysis INCORPORATION SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 408-445-1120 OR EMAIL kalamcpa@gmail.com VISIT US AT WWW.ALAMCPATAX.COM MEMBER: AICPA CSCPA NACVA NAEA CSEA MSEA NSA ACAT NAPT ONE STOP FOR COMPLETE TAX, ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

www.hhrd.org A TOP MUSLIM CHARITY ON CHARITY NAVIGATOR. Someone asked the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), what actions are most excellent? He replied: To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the wrongs of the injured [Hadiith] 9

Quotes of Imam Ghazali Knowledge Knowledge without action is vanity, and action without knowledge is insanity. Knowledge exists potentially in the human soul like the seed in the soil; by learning the potential becomes actual. (View Poster). Using his powers to attain to knowledge can raise him up to the ranks of Angels. Following desire he is brought down to the level of beasts. Dear seeker, you will not be able to rise to carry out the commands of Allah until you monitor your heart and limbs in every moment and every breath. The corruption of religions comes from turning them to mere words and appearances. Advice Advice is easy, what is difficult is accepting it, for it is bitter in taste. Shaikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali was asked, What is the ruling of the one who left prayer? He replied, The ruling is for you to take them along with you to the mosque. Be a caller, not a judge. The tongue is very small and light but it can take you to the greatest heights and it can put you in the lowest depths. Soft words soften the hearts that are harder than rock, harsh words harden hearts that are softer than silk. Good Character The hypocrite looks for faults; the believer looks for excuses. Declare your jihad on thirteen enemies you cannot see egoism, arrogance, conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, intolerance, anger, lying, cheating, gossiping and slandering. If you can master and destroy them, then you will be ready to fight the enemy you can see. We are creatures that love to blame the external, not realizing that the problem is usually internal. The first stage of sincerity is that your private and public state should be the same. Desires make slaves out of kings and patience makes kings out of slaves. If you see an unbeliever, say, I don t know, maybe he will become a Muslim, and his life will be sealed with the best of deeds, and for his Islam he will emerge free of sin, as a strand of hair is gently removed from dough. As for me, Allah could cause me to go astray, so that I become of the unbelievers, and my life could be sealed with the worst of deeds. So tomorrow this person might be of the Ones Drawn Nigh [to Allah], and I of the distant ones! Half of disbelief in God in the world is caused by people who made religion look ugly due to their bad conduct and ignorance. Destiny What is destined will reach you, even if it be beneath two mountains. What is not destined will not reach you, even if it be between your two lips. To completely trust in God is to be like a child who knows deeply that even if he does not call for the mother, the mother is totally aware of his condition and is looking after him. 10

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Granada Islamic School (High School) Subjects: Employment Opportunities Founded in 1988, GIS offers Pre-K through 8th grade education in an Islamic environment, and is fully accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Granada is opening its high school doors in the Fall of 2015 and we are looking for qualified teachers. Providing a Bright Future - Remodeled & Renovated Pre-k - Welcoming Environment - Hands on Learning Language Arts, Islamic Studies/Quran, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Arabic and the Arts Minimum Qualifications Required: Proficient in the Subject (Single Subject Credential) with US Teaching Experience and/or US College/University Teaching Experience in the field with Advanced Degree English Proficiency Legal Work Status Benefits Competitive Wages Health Insurance Coverage 401 K Retirement Plan Discount on Children s Tuition If interested, please email resume and cover letter mentioning High School and the subject to careers@granadaschool.org www.granadaschool.org 12

Announcing. Full-time & After-school Hifz Program Full-time Hifz Program Monday Thursday 7.00AM 1.00PM Friday 7.00AM-Noon After-school Hifz Program Monday Friday 3.30PM 5.30PM Registration now open Limited seats available Academic Tutoring Monday Friday 4.00PM 6.30PM Experienced Hifz Teachers Classes start from September 10 th,2014 Academic tutoring by experienced teachers Fluency in Qur an recitation preferred Boys & Girls above 8 years may apply For registration and more information, please contact: HifzSchool@mcabayarea.org Al-Alarqam School Islamic Education Supplemental Program Open Enrollment (Fall 2015) Arabic and non-arabic speaking children ages 5 to 15 2-Day Program: Friday 4:30-6:45 p.m and Sunday 12:30-5:15 p.m Partial attendance cannot be accommodated About Al-Arqam Al-Arqam School s mission is to provide supplemental Islamic education for students 5 to 15 years of age in Quran recitation and memorization, Arabic Language, and Islamic Studies. The program emphasizes proficiency in Quranic recitation and provides structures progressive instruction towards a mastery level. New enrollment students are accommodated according to their class level, as determined by an Arabic placement test. Registration: April 6th to June 26th & August 22nd to September 28th, 2015 Location: 3003 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Time: Contact: Fridays: 4:30-6:45p.m and/or Sundays: 12:30-5:15 pm admin@alarqamschool.org/ www.alarqamschool.org 13 Phone: 408-727-7277 ext 401

Please JOIN US in 2015: Renovation Team MCA is in need of architectural & civil engineering volunteers to contribute towards remodeling the new building. Please email Board of Trustees at BOT@mcabayarea.org for more information! Development Team MCA is in need of business & tech professionals to volunteer towards developing & promoting MCA 2.0. Please email Karim at karim.abouelkheir@mcabayarea.org for more information! 1000 CHAMPIONS Own a share of goodness, by signing up for 1000 CHAMPIONS montly donation program. Please email Karim at karim.abouelkheir@mcabayarea.org if interested to contriute! THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE Maybe it s time to improve your communication and leadership skills MCA TOASTMASTERS CLUB IS HERE TO HELP Successful people are good communicators. Visit our club meeting to learn why so many people join MCA Toastmaster Club to improve their presentation and leadership skills. Find Out How Visit Our Weekly Meeting! We meet every Thursday from 7pm to 8pm at the Maryam Banquet Hall in MCA For details contact: Nadeem Masood (nadeem.masood@comcast.net) 408-309- 7418 Haris Bijli (harisbijli@msn.com) http://mca.toastmastersclubs.org 14

CLASSIFIEDS To advertise with us, visit our website: www.mcabayarea.org/newsletter newsletter@mcabayarea.org 408-727-7277 Disclaimer: MCA does not endorse and is not responsible for products and services in the ads section of the MCA newsletter. MCA holds the right to reject or accept ads submitted. No ads dealing with a business deemed to be in conflict with Islamic principles will be accepted. 15 DENTISTS/MEDICAL Amy Snyder, L.Ac., MTCM Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Primary Care Provider, most insurance plans accepted. Specializing in women s health and digestive disorders 1101 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite N267, San Jose CA SnyderMedicine.com (408) 368-1468 Lubna Azeem, DDS General Dentist 2016 Forest Ave, Suite 4, San Jose, 95128 Near O Connor Hospital Open Saturdays, www.calsmiledental.com Visit our website for coupons (408) 930-5238 Sarah Azad, MD El Camino Women s Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology www.elcaminowomen.com 2500 Hospital Dr. Bldg 8A Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 396-8110 Amy Snyder, L.Ac., MTCM Licensed Acupuncturist, Hebalist, and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine Primary Care Provider, most insurance plans accepted. Specializing in women s health and digestive disorders. 1101 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite N267, San Jose CA SnyderMedicine.com (408) 368-1468 BUSINESS SERVICES Taketomi Indian Chinese Cuisine Halal Certified Restaurant Opens 7 days a week 11am to 10pm 2145 Morrill Ave San jose right next to Target Tel: 408 263 1900 Micro Tax, Audit, & Accounting Services, LLP Certifi ed public accountants tax preperation (e-fi le), audit, accounting, & payroll services. Call: M. Amin Haroon CPA, FFCA (UK) Ph: 408-986-9829 support@microtaxcpa.com Naz Beauty Salon $5 Threading (Milpitas, Sunnyvale,Fremont ).Threading $5.Gold & Perl facial $39.99.Full waxing (leg.arms,u) $59.99.Mani & Pedi $29.99. Happy hours 1 to 4 (Tue to Thu) Amrit ; 6503355523 Naz;650 669 0281 Female wedding photographer available for fellow Muslims who value Islamic principles. Visit amnakhanphotography.com or call 408-375-0317 Sunny Day Care: Special discounts available Licensed child care with Halal meals; near De Anza College in Cupertino. Contact Tahira at sunnydaycare5@gmail.com (408) 390-9810 Painted Canvas Children s Fine Art classes For Young Artists & Beginners Grades 2 through 8 Drawing & Painting in Acrylic,Watercolor & Oil Santa Clara, 95050 To register visit www.paintedcanvas.org Email: info@paintedcanvas.org Call: 4086468366 INSURANCE CONCISE Need Affordable Coverage? AUTO HOME COMMERCIAL HEALTH For a quote call Salah Visit us 1 block from MCA. 2062 Walsh Ave, Ste. B-2, Santa Clara (408) 567-1111 REAL ESTATE/RENT/INVESTMENT Are you thinking of buying a home or refinancing the one you currently own? Call today for a free consultation. Salim Vasani 510-255-0105 NMLS #962486 salim.vasani@guidanceresidential.com www.guidanceresidential.com/svasani Home Ownership, the Sharia Way. Gamal Halim, Real Estate Investments Commercial&Residential Sales Foreclosure, Short Sales&probates License# 01352828, 20 Y Experience Email: jimisinca@yahoo.com (925) 525-1305 Mohammad Alazzah RE/MAX Luxor Realty License #01295406 Residential, Comme cid:fe6f0db8-fabd-4f10-ac3f-efb65e0a6c2f rcial & 1st time home buyer program. Certified Distressed Property Expert. malazzah@remax.net. MATRIMONIAL Muslim Brother Seeking Wife I am 45 Years old, Divorced, Financially and Emotionally stable, Single no kids looking for a Muslima for marriage. I am Pakistani, have been living in CA for 23 years. I am looking from any Nationality and looking only for Taqwa. Prospective spouse must be living in Bay area. Sisters with children are welcome. Please contact me at (707) 343-5757 or email irfan113@hotmail.com NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Hidaya Foundation Donate Zakat and Sadaqah for the poorest of the poor. Read about our 30+ projects at www.hidaya.org (408) 244-3282 Rahima Foundation Help Us To Help The Needy. 2345 Harris Way, Suite #1, SJ, CA 95131 mail@rahima.org www.rahima.org (408) 845-0050 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Stress, Children/Spouse Problems, Other issues? Do not let these issues destroy your family! Call us at The FIRAT. We ll try to help. Your PRIVACY is our Honor! Don t worry. We offer FREE Service. Need your Duas. Call us NOW! 650-444-0792 www.thefirat.orgnote: The classes are for brothers and sisters.

Sadaqah in the Form of Sacrifice Protect Yourself from Calamity Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, Give the Sadaqah without delay for it stands in the way of calamity. (Tirmidhi #1887) The Prophet (pbuh) also said, The most excellent sadaqah consists in your satisfying a hungry stomach. (Tirmidhi #1946) For most of us, meat is a common part of our diet - often times we even have several different types of meat in a single meal. However, for so many others in the world, a meal including meat is a luxury that they seldom enjoy. Hidaya Foundation performs Sadaqah in the form of Sacrifice on behalf of our donors and the meat is distributed to the poor, most of whom would not be able to eat meat otherwise. Usually the sacrifice is performed within a few days of request from the donor. It costs $120 for a goat/sheep, and $420 for an ox/ buffalo. That includes the cost to purchase the animal, the actual sacrifice, preparing the meat into evenly portioned bags, and distributing the meat among the poor. Mother of the Believers, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that The most beloved action to Allah s Apostle (pbuh) was that whose doer did it continuously and regularly. (Bukhari #8.76.469) Donate online on our secure website, by phone, or mail checks to: Hidaya Foundation, PO Box 5481, Santa Clara, CA 95056. You may also contact us to sign up for Automatic Monthly Donation to have Sadaqah in the form of Sacrifice done for you automatically each month. Give Sadaqah in the form of Sacrifice to satisfy hungry stomachs and protect yourself and your family from calamity. Hidaya Foundation 408.244.3282 www.hidaya.org mail@hidaya.org Hidaya Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization with Tax ID # 77-0502583