Some nights leave a lasting mark—not just in memory, but in movement. The 2025 TPF Gala was one of those gatherings.
Together, we raised $2.7 million—a testament to the compassion, generosity, and unity of a community determined to make a difference. Whether you joined us in person or supported from afar, your belief in our mission helped turn this moment into momentum.
For the past 18 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds has been on a journey rooted in purpose: to uplift, to empower, and to give with intention. While we often unite around causes and projects that transform lives, the opportunity to come together around our shared values was profoundly meaningful. The Gala offered a rare and beautiful chance to reflect on how far we’ve come—and to look forward with renewed hope.
This year, the Gala carried an especially powerful purpose. A part of the funds raised will support the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund, giving promising young people the chance to pursue their dreams and lead change in their communities and beyond. It’s a commitment to the future—and to those who will shape it.
One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was honoring Eren, Fatih, and Eda Özmen with the Philanthropic Leadership Award. Their unwavering commitment to giving has left an indelible impact. The Özmen Family leads with vision, and their generosity has changed countless lives. As our Chairman, Mustafa Kemal Abadan, shared in his opening remarks, their philanthropy goes beyond generosity—it is grounded in empathy, foresight, and the belief that opportunity changes everything.
And as Hamdi Ulukaya, a past recipient of the Philanthropic Leadership Award, so eloquently noted during his tribute to the Özmen Family, their example challenges us all to give more, do more, and lead with empathy.
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters and donors for their unwavering support, stewardship, and compassion. Your partnership is what allows us to dream bigger and do better.
To our guests—thank you for bringing your energy, your joy, and your belief in our work.
To our incredible team—thank you for months of tireless planning, creativity, and dedication. You made this extraordinary night possible. A special thank you to TPF Gala Creative Director, Merve Gursel, whose vision and artistry shaped the look, feel, and flow of the evening in ways that left a lasting impression.
And to those who brought their talent to the program—Emma Shapplin, whose breathtaking performance lifted our spirits, Mert Onaran, whose digital artistry transported us, and Julide Ates, whose grace as Master of Ceremonies guided us through every moment—thank you for making the night unforgettable.
From the stage to every seat in the room, this was a night of collective impact—and it is only the beginning.
TPF Chairman Mustafa Kemal Abadan began the evening by warmly welcoming guests and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the community’s steadfast support. He then honored the 2025 Philanthropic Leadership Award recipients—Eren, Fatih, and Eda Özmen—highlighting their inspiring dedication to philanthropy, grounded in empathy, vision, and a belief in opportunity. “The Özmen family truly embodies what it means to be the change,” he said, acknowledging their impactful work in education, earthquake recovery, and innovative resilience efforts. He closed by celebrating the power of compassion and the lasting impact it creates.
Mehmet Kirdar, Chairman Emeritus of TPF, reflected on his two-decade journey with TPF, recalling its founding vision to create a trusted community foundation for Turkish-Americans and friends of Turkiye. He highlighted TPF’s impactful work—distributing $50 million in grants and touching over 3 million lives—and shared a personal story of fundraising alongside his daughter. He praised the leadership of donors like Hamdi Ulukaya and the Özmen family, whose generosity and matching campaigns helped raise over $20 million for earthquake recovery efforts. Reflecting on this collective effort, Mehmet said, “This is the magic of TPF — the power of community coming together to create lasting change.”
Merve Gursel, Gala Creative Director and TPF Board Member, delivered a powerful reflection on the meaning of hope and its quiet but transformative force. She spoke of hope not as something loud or fleeting, but as a steady drive rooted in purpose and community—“Hope, in motion,” as she called it. Tracing TPF’s beginnings to this kind of grounded hope, she highlighted how trust, compassion, and consistent action have shaped the organization’s impact. “What makes TPF extraordinary is not only what it does, but how it chooses to do it—with humility, with compassion, and with an unshakable belief that even the smallest act of hope ignites extraordinary change,” she shared, honoring the collective spirit that drives TPF forward.
Senay Ataselim Yılmaz, Executive Director of Turkish Philanthropy Funds, offered a deeply moving reflection on the meaning of impact—rooted not in numbers alone, but in stories of resilience, recovery, and hope. She spoke to the heartbreak and healing following the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, reminding the audience that the TPF community responded not with hesitation, but with action. “That is impact,” she said. “A community helping its own.” Highlighting the ripple effect sparked by donors like Hamdi Ulukaya and the Özmen Family, she emphasized that true impact is often invisible at first, but grows into lasting change. “The seeds we plant today grow quietly over time,” she noted, calling on the community to continue investing in lives, stories, and futures that carry hope forward.
2022 TPF Philanthropic Leadership Award recipient Hamdi Ulukaya delivered one of the evening’s most memorable speeches, calling the event “a special room filled with special people—the only place you feel connected to Türkiye in such a meaningful way.” He praised the honorees, saying, “Every student in Türkiye should know this family. Their story is inspiring—philanthropy in action—and their journey continues with their daughter. I’m honored to know you. Thank you for all you do.”
The 2025 TPF Philanthropic Leadership Award honored Eren, Fatih Ozmen, and Eda Ozmen. Eren Ozmen shared her inspiring journey from Diyarbakır to the U.S., showing how determination can lead to transformative success. Fatih Ozmen reflected on living the American dream and the responsibility of giving back. Eda expressed gratitude to TPF and her parents, calling the evening humbling and surreal. “My journey is just beginning,” she said, emphasizing that embracing our differences is key to making a lasting impact together.
