January 2011

“Once again it is my pleasure to recognize, on behalf of the city of Westland, the great work performed by your organization. As you well know, the ACC does indeed make a difference in the lives of residents of mainstream and Middle Eastern communities. The ability of ACC to provide such services as English as a Second Language, job training and life skills training is testament to your influence throughout Southeast Michigan….These are challenging times in our Great Lake state and your efforts provide meaningful and relevant support to those in need.”

~Mayor William R. Wild, City of Westland

The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) held its 8^th annual golf outing and scholarship dinner on June 16 at Shenandoah County Club in West Bloomfield.  Scholarships were awarded to high school seniors who excel academically and are in need of financial support for college.

“It’s our commitment to improve the quality of life for students and those who are in need. Financial conditions should not prevent them from pursing their education,” ACC President and CEO Haifa Fakhouri said.

Scholarship awardees were Talal Aboufakhr, Sahar Adora, Najwan Augustin, Marwa Boulis, Rose Brewart, Rayan El-Zein, Yarob Fakhoury, Robin Kassis, Olivia Najor and Tamara Naoum.

“We want to be diverse and represent a cross section of the community. We are pleased to have a diverse group this year.” Fakhouri said.

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon and Steve Honorowski, regional sales director of Pepsi Beverages Company, served as honorary chairperson for the event.

“Here in Detroit we all know the great work ACC does. It’s a social service agency that helps so many move forward, make their way, and live the American dream. We know it served the large immigrant
population, but it also serves the large population of Detroiters and other folks from around the metro area who have no connection to the Arab and Chaldean community,” Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said.

The ACC hopes it can raise money for even more scholarships in the future.  “I (hope) we can raise more money to give to many other students. The competition was extremely tough. Many students had to be disqualified because we had a minimum amount of dollars for scholars,”  Fakhouri said.    

 Arab American News:

Natasha Dado