The Arab American News - Rights group needed now more than ever

ADC struggling for funds as anniversary approaches

DEARBORN � The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in Michigan will hold its Annual Fundraising Gala on Friday, December 7, at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn.
ADC Michigan will host the Gala for the eighth year, as it celebrates another year of promoting the civil rights of Arab Americans. The banquet, themed "Securing our Future," will highlight the American-Arab Center for Civil and Human Rights (ACCHR), a ground-breaking education and resource center that the organization is in the process of developing.

Imad Hamad, ADC Michigan Regional Director and Senior National Advisor, said the preparation for this year's event was particularly challenging due to the financial constraints of the organization. The organization is primarily dependent on contributions from the community and the recent economic climate in Michigan has put a significant strain on fundraising efforts.
"For the past eleven years, ADC Michigan has touched the lives of countless individuals," he stated. "The organization is an integral part of the makeup of our community and of our society. The moral support and respect that we receive is overwhelming, and our record speaks for itself. Unfortunately, this great support and encouragement does not provide us with the financial support that we as an organization need to sustain ourselves."

This year, ADC will recognize awardees who have made an impact on the local, national and international levels. Among the award recipients are Ambassador Clovis Maksoud, former Chief Representative, League of Arab States to the UN; Heaster Wheeler, Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP; Chantal Chamandy, international singer-songwriter; Dr. Hoda Amine, founder of the Arab Domestic Violence Intervention Program; and Atty. Kawthar Abdulla Al Jouan, a lead attorney and Arab Women Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals. CVS Corporation will also receive ADC's "Embracing Diversity" award for their years of involvement with the organization and their commitment to diversity awareness.

Hamad said that this year's program is geared toward honoring individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the Arab American cause. The scheduled speakers and award recipients are made up of a diverse mix of individuals who have been a constant source of support for the organization.
"This Gala will give us an opportunity to express our appreciation for the loyal support we've received over the years from our community," he stated. "This year's guest speakers are our sponsors, supporters, and friends. This is only a small way to show our deep gratitude for their continued support."

The Gala will feature a special presentation on the ACCHR and the many services it will provide to the community. The ACCHR will allow ADC Michigan to continue the development of its many programs and initiatives, including their internship program, the annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Award program, the Arab-American Women Advocating for Resources and Empowerment (AWARE) initiative, and the ADC Michigan Kids Club program. It will also serve as a state of the art resource and education center where ADC Michigan can continue to sustain its ongoing mission of protecting the civil rights of Arab Americans. The organization sees an average of 600 cases of discrimination yearly, a number that continues to increase with each passing year.

ADC Michigan Deputy Director, Rana Abbas-Chami, spoke of the need for the ACCHR as a means to strengthen the Arab American community.
"As the need to protect the civil liberties of our community increases, so does the need to continue to bring in funding to finance our organization," she stated. "This has become more difficult over the past few years, as the economy in Michigan has suffered. As a community, we need to have enough foresight to understand that money we put into an organization like ADC is really an investment in our community. As we work to establish the ACCHR, we are not only building an institution, we're creating a permanent presence for ADC that will undoubtedly reshape the political landscape in the U.S. "

This year's Gala will focus on fundraising efforts for the ACCHR, which is still in the early stages of construction. Hamad added that the new building will stand for so much more than a new architectural structure.

"The ACCHR is one of ADC's unique contributions to the community," he said. "It is not just a building, but rather, a center for the entire community. We as a small, dedicated team, take pride in the fact that we were able to accomplish this great task, and we look forward to moving ahead toward a brighter future."

ADC Michigan has officially declared this year's Gala sold out, and anticipates an audience that is widely diverse. Hamad credits the dedication of the ADC Michigan staff for accomplishing this goal despite the financial challenges.
"Regardless of our challenges, our team is dedicated to sustaining the organization's mission," concluded Hamad. "However, the continued success of our organization depends heavily on the generosity of our local community. The same way people seek our support in times of need, we in turn are seeking the support of others. It is our hope that this year, our fellow community members will keep ADC in their hearts and minds as we look forward to another year of great accomplishments."

Delia Habhab is an accounts administrator for ADC.