LANSING — Ghassan and Manal Saab, Lebanese-Americans, were awarded the 2010 Russell G. Mawby Award for Philanthropy, Michigan’s most esteemed philanthropy award.  The Saabs accepted the award at the Michigan Nonprofit Superconference held May 19 at the Lansing Center.

The Saabs were nominated for the award by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) and are the first Greater-Flint area residents, Arab-Americans, and immigrants to receive the award.

“For years Ghassan and Manal have contributed generous gifts that have made an important difference in the lives of many, many people,” said Kathi Horton, CFGF President in a press release. “They give not only of their financial resources but also of their time and talents. They give in ways that have lasting impact for those who are alive today, and also for generations yet to come.”

The Saabs have developed many grants to help a variety of charities over the years, and volunteered in many positions, including co-chairing the “Imagine: The UM-Flint Difference” effort that raised a record $40 million for new scholarships, student research and the Honors program.

The Saabs currently serve on the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) Professional Advisory Board and the Arab American National Museum’s National Advisory Board.