ACC board member Salman Sesi, ACC Board Chairman Abe Munfakh, Republican candidate for Michigan governor Rick Snyder, ACC President and CEO Haifa Fakhouri, and Deborah Dingell during the reception that preceded the event.

In the second half of the 20th century, the state of Michigan began experiencing an unprecedented amount of immigration from the Middle East. To meet the needs of those newcomers, a group of individuals established the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a human service non-profit that has expanded from serving 421 Detroiters through a one-person office to now providing more than 600,000 services annually through 40 outreach centers in southeast Michigan.

With more than 800 in attendance ranking from state, federal and local officials including the two main candidates for Michigan governor, Republican Rick Snyder and Democrat Virg Bernero, the ACC celebrated its 31st Annual Civic and Humanitarian Awards Gala Oct. 16 inside the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.

Democratic candidate for Michigan governor Virg Bernero pose with Fakhouri and Munfakh.

The ACC’s humanitarian mission wouldn’t be possible without the help of its partners. The gala is hosted to extend thanks to organizations that have helped provide services to the needy and honors a select group of distinguished individuals for their tireless efforts and unwavering support of giving back to the community through ACC.

“We realize that our accomplishments are because of each of you being here tonight. Thank you for your support in assisting us to grow our mission in serving our communities,” said ACC Board Chairman Abe Munfakh.

This year’s awardees are Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel; Nancy Schlichting, Henry Ford Health System President and CEO; Dr. Patricia Maryland, President and CEO, St. John Providence Health System; Azzam Elder, Deputy Wayne County Executive;;  Louie Boji, Boji Group chairman; and Wally Jadan, president and CEO of Middle Eastern American TV and radio.

“They are actually involved with the services of ACC. They are enhancing our operation and helping the refugees and those in need of services,” said ACC President and CEO Dr. Haifa Fakhouri. 

“I encourage anyone who has time, talent or money to give. Every one of us can take, but giving is the blessing of thought. Please if you have time, if you have talent, anything, give. That’s the most rewarding. It’s an honor and a privilege for me to receive this award. It will stay in my office and my heart for the rest of my life,” Boji said.

ACC’s board of directors honored three of its founders, Fakhouri, First Chairman, V. Rev. John Badeen and ACC longtime board member Salman Sesi by naming three of its facilities on Seven Mile in Detroit after them. 

“These three founders have spent all their time, efforts and finances to advance our causes and the board has decided to honor them in a special way,” Munfakh said.

Deputy Wayne County Executive Azzam Elder (C) receiving his award from ACC Board Chairman Abe Munfakh and ACC President and CEO Haifa Fakhouri and Munfakh

Guest speaker, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, commended Elder and said he’s fortunate and blessed, especially from the Chaldean and Arab American community, to have so much of their leadership and talents on his staff.

“One that has been very special to my administration is my deputy Azzam Elder. Many times he is the unsung hero. A person who has stepped up and done things that don’t get recognized and I get the credit for,”  Ficano said.

In his award speech Jadan said MEA would make history Jan. 1, the date it’s expected to broadcast its network to the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. According to Jadan, MEA will be the first Arab American TV network to reach the Arab world from the United States.

The 2010 gubernatorial candidates were the night’s honored guest speakers and are expected to speak as well at The Henry Ford Hotel on Oct. 22 during the American Arab Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Building Economic Bridges Banquet. Their speeches were broadcast live by Detroit’s local TV news Channel 7 WXYZ.   

Snyder said Detroit’s economic condition is critical to Michigan’s economy. “The other thing we need to do that we haven’t done as well in is to restore our central cities, that is fundamental.  For Michigan to be a great state, Detroit has to be on the path to being a great city again,” Snyder said.

He also told guests he plans on eliminating the Michigan Business Tax. “Now the first thing I’ll tell you is the role of government is not to create jobs. It’s to create an environment where jobs can flourish. To do that we need tax reform. It is time to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax. It’s a job killer. I propose replacing it with a flat six percent corporate income tax.” 

Bernero said he’s balanced tough budgets, taken pay cuts and credited himself for helping Lansing’s economy flourish. According to Bernero he’s put more police on the streets since he took office. He vowed to not give up on advanced manufacturing and announced a large expansion of manufacturing jobs in the city. “When some people say that our past is manufacturing I disagree, I also think it’s a vibrant part of our future and we’re proving it in Lansing every day,” Bernero said. 

Vivian Pickard, President of the General Motors Foundation and Director of Corporate Relations and Grassroots Initiatives for GM served as the emcee. Additional speakers included Radwan Khoury, Ph.D., ACC Executive Director and COO; Pamela Alexander, Ford Motor Company Fund director of Community Development and Fund Operations; and Byna Elliot, Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President and director of community affairs. 

 “Many times, I say, they ask government to do everything, and at these challenging times we really can’t. When we need safety net community organizations such as ACC to step up, they make that difference, so Haifa we appreciate all that you do and all the programs you have been able to contribute to,” Ficano said. 

Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel receiving his award from Fakhouri and Munfakh

       

Nancy Schlichting, Henry Ford Health System President and CEO receiving her award from Fakhouri and Munfakh

Louie Boji, ACC board member receiving his award from ACC President and CEO Haifa Fakhouri and Munfakh

Dr. Patricia Maryland, President and CEO, St. John Providence Health System receiving her award from Fakhouri and Munfakh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wally Jadan, president and CEO of Middle Eastern American TV and radio receiving his award from Fakhouri and Munfakh