Tanzanite was founded in 1982 by Arnold Mendes to rekindle friendship.  Together with Nelson Carvalho, Steve D'Souza, Thelma D'Souza, Leslie DeMello, Tony Fernandes, Alwyn Mendes, Fernando Mendes, Nap Rebello, Nelson Rodrigues and the Late Raul DeMello they designated Anthony Mendes as the very first Tanzanite President.

 

They began with no funds, only a vision to bring every Tanzanian together, for the one night of music, dance and reminiscing.  Each committee member contributed $100.00 as a start up float for which they were later reimbursed.  Approximately 400 Tanzanians attended the first Tanzanite dance in October 1982, held at Etobicoke Queensway Lions Club, Toronto, Canada. 

The first plaque was  donated by the Tanzanite 1988 committee - Arnold Mendes, Soco Aguiar, Nelson Tellis, Johnny Lopes, Audrey Fernandes,  Doris Demello, Edward Fernandes and Steve Pereira. The plaque was extended by the Tanzanite 1999 committee. 

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