The Arab American News - Celebrating 30 years of success

DETROIT — The Renaissance Center in Detroit was the site of the Arab and Chaldean Council's (ACC) Annual Civic and Humanitarian Awards Gala on Saturday, October 17, as the organization celebrated 30 years of service and accomplishments.

ACC President and CEO Dr. Haifa Fakhouri extended her gratitude and appreciation to ACC friends and supporters. PHOTOS: ACC

What began as a grassroots venture under Jordanian immigrant and current president Haifa Fakhouri and friends has now evolved into one of the most invaluable community service organizations in both Detroit and the Arab American community.

The ACC provides services like health clinics, workforce and English-as-a-second-language training, and scholarship awards among others and currently maintains a state-of-the-art four-building "oasis" along a stretch of Seven Mile Rd. between John R. and Woodward in Detroit that continues to breathe life and culture into what some believed was a dying area.

WDIV-Local 4 TV personality and weatherman Chuck Gaidica emceed the weekend event as several prominent community leaders took home awards.

Fakhouri was among those honored as she received the group's newly-created Visionary Award for helping make the ACC's successes possible, an award that caught her off guard and led to some emotional moments.

ACC President Dr. Haifa Fakhouri (right) stands with Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun (center) and Ambassador Houda Nonoo (second right), with ACC guests.

Earlier in the evening, Fakhouri introduced Honored Guest Houda Nonoo, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States and head of that country's Human Rights Watch.

"I am happy to be here in Detroit to celebrate three fruitful decades for the ACC," Nonoo said. "The ACC provides important services to us in (Washington) D.C.," she added, citing their important role in the immigration field.

ACC is currently readying itself for an additional 12,000 immigrants, mostly Iraqis, who are expected to enter Michigan before the end of the year.

"Many Iraqis are fleeing for their lives and looking to establish new homes in America," Fakhouri said. "Many of them are from professional backgrounds but need help; with your help and the help of others we will be able to give more."

Chuck Gaidica congratulates U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Also honored on the night were U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who received the Leadership Award; Michigan Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry and Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who each received State Leadership Awards; Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, who received the City Leadership Award; Ambassador Bridge owner and transportation industry mogul Manuel "Matty" Maroun, who won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award; and Walid Khalife, owner of the Gold Corp, Inc. jewelry business, who was named the ACC's Board Member of the Year.

Maroun, a Lebanese American, bought the bridge in 1979 and said it is now the busiest crossing in North America.

Mayor Dave Bing receives ACC's 2009 City Leadership Award.

Bing spoke about the importance of the ACC's work in Detroit.

"We are thankful for the leadership of ACC and I'm truly honored to be here tonight," Bing said. "For 30 years your health care and job training has meant very much to us."