(DEARBORN, MI) — The Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) hosted its Third Annual Youth Leadership Committee Banquet on Nov. 29 at Byblos Banquets in Dearborn.
The group honored Attorney Ali Hammoud, president of the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) and journalist Charlie Kadado, managing editor of LebaneseExaminer.com.
“I am very proud to receive this award from an organization I am so proud to be a part of,” Hammoud said. “I want to inspire young people to have a drive and a passion because then anything will be possible.”
Kadado talked about his humanitarian mission called “Giveback Lebanon,” which is taking place from now until Dec. 31. He says the project aims to provide hundreds of Christmas gifts to low-income and underprivileged Lebanese children and seniors.
“Give back to your motherland that has given you so much,” he said. “The least we can do is to give back to the root of our cultural identity and uniqueness.”
LAHC Youth Leadership Committee Board Member Ali Saad was also presented with the President’s Call to Service Award from President Barack Obama, which recognized 4,000 hours of lifetime community service.
The event featured several community leaders and activists, including Ali Jawad, founder of the LAHC. Many young people from local universities supported the banquet, which is held each year near Lebanon’s Independence Day anniversary.
Youth Leadership Committee Founder Hussein Hachem was presented with a plaque honoring his “relentless dedication” to the organization, which strives to support and celebrate the achievements of Lebanese-American youth in Michigan.
Hachem thanked Jawad and other community members for their activism and encouragement to the young people of the community.
He also introduced a local Lebanese-American activist for the disabled, Khodr Farhat, who delivered brief remarks.
To learn more about the LAHC Youth Leadership Committee visit lahc.org.