Gala celebrates contributions of Lebanese Americans

DETROIT — The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce held its Second Annual Night of a Hundred Stars Spectacular this week at the historic Hotel St. Regis in the New Center area of downtown Detroit. Pegged as “Celebrating Leadership in North America,” the gala honored Governor John H. Sununu, former White House chief of staff; U.S. Senator John E. Sununu; and MSNBC news analyst Raghida Dergham with the 2007 Golden Cedars Awards. St. John Health System CEO Elliot Joseph was honored as Humanitarian of the Year.  George and Andrew Ansara were honored as Businessmen of the Century. And a special tribute was made to Windsor Mayor and Mrs. Eddie Francis. “It’s to acknowledge the achievements of the Lebanese American community. It reinforces that motivation for the future generation,” said Aaron-Micael Beydoun, who works for the LACC. He said that the number of big names the chamber is able to bring to Detroit shows recognition of the importance of the local community. The group has a wide reach stretching across the country that allows it to attract a high level of attention, Beydoun said. “LACC has an extensive network. We have officesnationally… And if the guests didn’t feel like [the chamber and the community] had that level of esteem, they wouldn’t come.”

Attending the event were WJR AM-760 morning radio personality Paul W. Smith, WDIV-Channel 4 /Meteorologist Chuck Gaidica, United States Congressman Thad McCotter, Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano, V. Rev. Archpriest Father Joseph Antypas, Miss Lebanon Emigrant 2003 Miriam Habib, State Representative Barbara Farrah, Consul General of Lebanon H.E. Bachir S. Tawk, Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, Macomb County Treasurer Ted B. Wahby and Detroit Red Wings Singer Karen Newman. An exhibit by renowned artist Adnan Charara of Galerie Camille and entertainment by the nationally aacclaimed Twelfth Night Singers rounded out the evening.