BEVERLY HILLS, MI — There is strength in numbers, especially when working to make a tangible and positive impact.

One hundred local Arab American women are acutely aware of that, so they gathered for their fifth annual philanthropy event at the Emile Salon & Spa on Sunday, April 29, to donate to organizations that work toward a cause they care most about.

100 Arab American Women Who Care, a program of the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), awarded $4,000 each to two Michigan-based nonprofits: Women for Humanity, a group that develops projects and programs to assist and sustain people in times of crisis; and the National Arab American Medical Association’s (NAAMA) NextGen, an incubator geared towards enhancing the careers of young Arab American innovators and students, empowering them to play a key role in healthcare advocacy and community service.

Chelsea Liddy, who coordinates CAAP events, said this year marked a milestone in the program’s history, as its 100 Arab American Women Who Care events have raised more than $50,000.

Since 2010, CAAP has supported multiple non-profit organizations around the globe by raising $4 million in grants.

Attendees hear a donor speak about why they should voted for a particular charity

“The collective power of 100 American Women Who Care continues to astound me,” Liddy said. “We empower women and are able to make a huge impact on worthy causes. Truly, amazing things happen when we give smart and give together.”

“Each year, the power and engagement generated by this event continues to exceed our expectations,” said Rasha Demashkieh, CAAP board member and 100 Arab American Women Who Care event chair. “Not only are we making a huge difference to worthy causes, we are showing Southeast Michigan that the Arab American community is actively involved in making our region a better place to live. We are but 100 women, but our impact is incalculable.”

At the event, each attendee nominated a charity of her choice. Attendees may nominate only Michigan-based nonprofit organizations holding current 501(c)3 status.

Previously, participants raised $9,000 for Safe Harbor for Women and $10,000 for The Belinda Sue Fund for Ovarian Cancer & Research.

There were beauty consultants on hand and some participants won raffle prizes.