Arab American and Chaldean Council’s 26th Annual Civic & Humanitarian Awards Gala

Celebrating Women of Achievement, a Tribute
The Renaissance Ballroom at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center was filled to capacity for the Arab American and Chaldean Council’s (ACC) 26th Annual Civic & Humanitarian Awards Banquet. The celebration was held on Saturday, September 24th and emceed by Paula Tutman Specialty Reporter from WDIV Channel 4. The evening’s program was dedicated to Celebrating Women of Achievement, a tribute to all women, who have been and are instrumental in our communities.

ACC honored eleven women for the differences they make in a number of fields in our community and all over the world. The 2005 Honorees included:

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Irma Elder
CEO Elder Automotive Group

CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD
Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
President, National American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC)

HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Captain Katrina Mathews
Salvation Army

POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Barbara Farrah Nida Samona
State Representative Michigan Liquor Control Commission

EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE RESEARCH
Iman Mohamed, M.D.
Medical College of Ohio

EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE
Maya Hammoud, M.D.
University of Michigan

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Dr. Mary Sue Coleman
President, University of Michigan

PHILANTHROPY AWARD
Helen Daoud

BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Priscilla Khoury
Senior VP/COO, St. John Health Foundation

EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA
Jane Arraf
Senior Baghdad Correspondent, CNN

INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Dr. Dieter Zetsche
Board of Management Daimler Chrysler AG Mercedes Division
Dr. Dieter Zetsche was the evening’s Keynote Speaker. Dr. Zetsche was awarded the International Leadership Award, for his leadership and support in promoting women and minorities within DaimlerChrysler. Dr. Zetsche arrived in Detroit in November of 2000 as President and CEO of the Chrysler Group.
The evening featured Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, who thanked the honorees for “blazing new trails in their selected fields.” Other distinguished guests included U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Congressman John Dingell, U.S. Congressman John Conyers, and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.
ACC Chairman of the Board Dr. Shukri David welcomed the guests and thanked all for attending, and in his remarks addressed the contributions women have made throughout history, and in conclusion thanked the Honorees for their dedication in serving our community.
ACC President and CEO Dr. Fakhouri’s announced the construction of the ACC Artisan Center and community park which will be located across from the newly built Youth Center. The art center will offer promising artists studio space to develop and promote their artworks. This project again demonstrates ACC’s commitment to build safer neighborhoods in the City of Detroit. ACC was also proud to announce the recipients of the scholarship fund for college-bound students. Dr. Fakhouri continued her remarks by thanking WJR 760AM for partnering with ACC in a first of its kind public relation announcements showcasing the positive contributions the Arab and Chaldean community has made in the United States. Dr. Fakhouri also congratulated Congressman John Dingell for celebrating 50 years in the U.S. Congress, which was followed by a standing ovation.
In an effort to rebuild the Gulf Coast states ACC partnered with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army and donated a portion of the night’s proceeds to support the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.