DEARBORN – On Saturday, March 9, the Sadr Foundation USA hosted their 13th annual Fundraising Dinner at the Islamic Center of America, where over 900 guests turned out for special guest speaker Sayedah Rabab Charafeddine, sister of Imam Musa al-Sadr and chairwoman of the organization’s Lebanese chapter.

Volunteers of the American Chapter of the Sadr Foundation pose with Raed Charafeddine for a photo at the foundation dinner held at the Islamic Center of America on Saturday, March 9.

The organization, originally started in South Lebanon, is named after  Imam Musa al-Sadr, who rose to prominence in Lebanon ahead of the Lebanese civil war, but disappeared mysteriously during a visit to Libya in 1978. He has since never been heard of, but his institutional legacy continues to live on in both Lebanon and the U.S. 

The Sadr Foundation grew to fill voids in Lebanon left by war, occupation, economic deterioration, brain-drain, illiteracy and widespread psychological trauma. The foundation eventually expanded into the U.S, where it is now based in Dearborn.  Sadr USA  not only supports overseas efforts, it also contributes to local efforts as well. They have raised money for orphans, homeless families and ill children both locally, nationally and internationally.

Hassan Bazzi was the opening speaker at the event, which cost $100 per ticket. A group of businessmen and locals covered food and expenses at the dinner. Bazzi welcomed the guests who came from Lebanon, which included Charafeddine, and her son Raed Charafeddine, who is now the Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon.

Mr. Charafeddine was also a guest speaker at the University of Michigan in Dearborn, where he was personally invited by professors to discuss Lebanon’s central bank system. He also spoke at a second event at the University, educating students about women in Islam, which was well received.

During her time at the podium, Charafeddine acknowledged the Muslim community in Michigan as a group of hard working people who continue to represent the vision that was originally established by the organization in Lebanon and a vision that Imam Musa al-Sadr would be proud of today. She said unity between the Michigan chapter and the Lebanon chapter will continue to make the foundation prevail for years to come, recognizing them as one organization despite being thousands of miles apart. 

Also appearing at the event was Mayor Jack O’Reilly, who briefly spoke and recognized Sadr USA’s continued efforts. Leila Fawaz, Chairwoman of Sadr USA, says the event was a big success like previous years and that she and other attendees were emotionally moved by Charafeddine’s speech.

Proceeds from the dinner will be divided between the Lebanon organization as well as local efforts here. Fawaz says the next goal for the organization is to acquire a building located on Michigan Ave., between Schaefer and Greenfield. The organization expects a smooth transition into the new facility later this year. They are also already in the planning phases for their 13th Annual Woman’s Day Breakfast, which is usually held at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in the fall. 

Both Rabab abd Raed Charafeddine were also honored at a private reception at Byblos Banquets on Monday, March 11, sponsored by four local businessmen.