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 Helping Hands, Healing Lives on Oct. 16 inside the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.
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.
Guest speaker, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, commended 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.”
The 2010 gubernatorial candidates were the night’s honored guest speakers. 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 to create an environment where jobs can flourish. To do that we need tax reform.”
Bernero said he’s balanced tough budgets, taken pay cuts and credited himself for helping Lansing’s economy flourish. “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.
Arab American News:
By Natasha Dado
