DETROIT — The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) hosted its 34th Annual Civic and Humanitarian Awards Gala on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. 

L-R: Fr. George Shalhoub, ACC President and CEO Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, Chaldean Bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim and Abe Munfakh

This year, under the theme of “Building Detroit,” the ACC recognized five individuals who are making a difference in enhancing Detroit’s future. 

The individuals were recognized in the following categories: Keynote Speaker and Leadership Award – Saad Chehab, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC; Humanitarian Award – His Excellency Mar Ibrahim N. Ibrahim, St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Diocese; Civil Rights Award – Dan Krichbaum, Ph.D., Former Director, Michigan Department of Civil Rights;  Community Service Award – Daniel J. Loepp, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Community Leadership Award – Vivian R. Pickard, President, General Motors Foundation, Director, Corporate Relations, General Motors Company. 

The funds that are raised from the annual gala support the many programs and services the ACC provides to the community.  This year’s emcee was Simon Shaykhet from WXYZ-TV.