One hundred Arab American women fundraised $8,000 for cancer research.

TROY — The Foundation for Women’s Cancer was awarded $8,000 to fund cancer research by The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP). One hundred Arab American women gathered at the Michigan Design Center to pool funds to donate to an organization that works toward a cause they care most about.

The cancer research foundation was chosen by women who voted among three others, including Zaman International and Flint Water Crisis Response. 

CAAP founder Maha Freij said the 100 Arab American Women Who Care’s third annual event provides an opportunity for a group to combine funds to support a cause and is a part of a larger goal to better communities through Arab American giving.

“When you deal with the Center for Arab American philanthropy, it provides Arab Americans, no matter who they are, with the tools that allow them to be strategic in their giving,” Freij said.

With the negative rhetoric plaguing Arabs and women, the national foundation’s goal is also to rewrite that narrative through philanthropy. 

“These are women who are empowered, who are leaders, who think about what they want to support, ” Freij said. “And they manage to come together from all walks of life.”

Most noteworthy, Freij said, is the diversity of the Arab American women who donated to the award. The venue was filled with Muslims, Christians and non-religious women from a variety of countries, all who set aside their differences toward a single mission.

Rashida Tlaib, manager of the Take on Hate campaign, said the stories shared by those urging to donate to their cause were emotional for her. She added that a collection of resources, money and “know how” provided by CAAP is the surest way to make a difference.

“It’s extremely important to work together in trying to make change…it’s stronger, its louder, its much more effective,” Tlaib said.

The event depicts the foundation’s mantra, “give smart, give together.” CAAP spent its inception years educating the community regarding the foundation’s mission, while raising no more than $300,000, Freij said. Since 2010, the foundation has supported multiple non-profit organizations around the globe by raising $4 million in grants.

Karma Adra, whose family members were impacted by cancer, said she voted for The Foundation for Women’s Cancer to win the award to help fund a group focused on battling all spectrums of the disease. She said better screening, awareness and education about cancer is needed. 

Adra added she is excited the group won the money for the second time, as it was also chosen last year.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate against anyone,” Adra said. “It just shows that Arab American women are just as passionate about this.”