Mrs. Laura Bush said: "When the Mosaic Foundation was established in 1998, these ambassadors' wives saw their time in the United States as an opportunity not only to help their spouses in their important work, but also to help others around the world. President Bush and I thank you for your dedication and your service, and we especially appreciate your commitment to strengthen the ties between America and the peoples of the Arab world."

Mrs. Luma Kawar of Jordan, Gala Chair, elaborated on the theme of the evening: "The free-flow exchange of goods and ideas depends on trust. The foundation of trust is understanding which can only be attained through communication. Good communication is where differences are explored and similarities are celebrated." In her remarks, Queen Rania praised the collaboration between Mosaic Foundation and Sesame Workshop, known as the Sesame Mosaic project, calling it a "wonderful passport to understanding, for the Arab and American children alike" and a "colorful project" that "can serve as a cultural embassy -- communicating the vibrant heritage and diversity of the Arab world."

Mosaic Chairman Mrs. Nermin Fahmy of Egypt talked about the organization's 10th anniversary next year and its dream of building the Mosaic Arab Cultural Center in the nation's capitol. Mrs. Rim Abboud of Lebanon, Mosaic's Vice President, introduced Mr. Zade Dirani, Jordanian pianist, composer and founder of the International Musicians Assembly for their world deput performance which received a standing ovation. Sesame Street's Elmo and his Arab muppet friend, Khohka, closed the evening's program to the amusement of more than 700 guests and diplomatic officials.

Guests included U.S. Senator Bill Frist, U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, and HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson; media personality John McLaughlin and Benefit Committee Co-Chairs Chris and Kathleen Matthews.