UCF raises $5,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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(OREGON TOWNSHIP, MI) — The United Cedars Foundation (UCF) entertained over 100 Lebanese-Americans on Sunday, during a full-day “Backyard Barbeque Cook Off for Charity.”

The goal was to raise $5,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

UCF members Antoine and Camilia Saleh hosted the event at their cottage in Oregon Township, five miles north of Lapeer.

Visitors enjoyed a scenic view of Pleasant Lake and several activities, including volleyball, children’s games, boating, and an evening bonfire.

For more information about UCF, contact the group via their Facebook page.

Do you know a successful Lebanese-American?

LebaneseExaminer.com is looking for successful Lebanese-Americans to feature in our series, “Lebanese-American Success Stories.”

We’re looking for people in the following fields:

  • Creative Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Politics
  • Diversity
  • Religion
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Legal
  • Medical
  • Technology

Email us at news@lebaneseexaminer.com with potential names and contact information.

Private Farewell Luncheon for May El-Khalil

(GROSSE POINTE, MI) — The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce hosted a private farewell luncheon for Beirut Marathon Association founder May El-Khalil at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on Wednesday.

El-Khalil visited Detroit for four days during an official USA trip which included stops in Miami and New York.

Look for an exclusive interview with May El-Khalil in the coming weeks.

Click here for photos.

Copyright © 2014 – LebaneseExaminer.com

American Foundation for Auxilia hosts May El-Khalil

(TROY, MI) – The American Foundation for Auxilia hosted Beirut Marathon Association founder May El-Khalil for a brunch at the Marriott Troy on Sunday.

KEY QUOTES:
“We channeled our projects to help poor mothers and underprivileged kids in Nigeria. It made sense to give back to our community that is hosting our families and our husband’s businesses. With that being said, allow me to recognize the efforts you pull to help needy families in Lebanon through your efforts and through the efforts of Auxilia.” –May El Khalil, Beirut Marathon Association Founder

“As a successful Lebanese lady I was very interested in seeing how she thinks and how she became so successful. May El-Khalil works for peace without paying attention to religions or to political affiliations – it’s all for peace. Sometimes something happens for a reason. Even though May was hit by a bus, she was so determined to do something” –Samar Malouf, Michigan Coordinator of the American Foundation for Auxilia

“(El Khalil’s) message really corresponds with Auxilia’s message. We’re trying to give hope and spread a message of love by giving.” –Joe Defouni, American Foundation for Auxilia Board Member

“It was an incredible message, the message of “peace, love, and run.” It’s very catchy.” –Clemence Bouary, American Foundation for Auxilia Member

Click here for photos.

Listen to May El-Khalil’s inspiring story here: http://youtu.be/u1K6hnm09xs

Stay tuned for Lebanese Examiner’s exclusive interview with May El-Khalil later this week.

Copyright © 2014 – LebaneseExaminer.com

UCF hosts 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Gala

(SAINT CLAIR SHORES) — The United Cedars Foundation (UCF) hosted their 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Party on Saturday at the Barrister Gardens Banquet Center in Saint Clair Shores. 150 people attended the dinner, which was sold out one week before the event, according to the UCF board.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Special Kids, Inc., an organization that provides therapeutic rehabilitation and professional nursing services to children with special needs.

“The purpose of our activities is to help other charitable organizations with monetary donations. We plan activities and part of those proceeds are donated to those organizations,” said Walid Korkmaz, the president of the United Cedars Foundation.

The organization was founded in December 2012, and has grown exponentially with 45 registered families as members. The executive board includes President Walid Korkmaz, Vice President Walid Souaid, Secretary Charbel Nader, Treasurer Joe Saleh, and Trustee Abe Charaf.

“We feel that our community is missing a charitable organization like this. They are all about politics and we want something different for our kids,” said Joe Saleh, the treasurer of the organization.

Several young people read poems to their mothers, which was met with roaring applause and warm hugs and kisses. After the dinner, singer Karim Jaber and his band kept the crowd entertained with Arabic music. Three raffle prizes, including a $50 gift certificate to Cedar Grille, donated by Camilia and Antoine Saleh, a $50 gift certificate to Lebanese Grill, donated by Abe Charaf, and a Dell tablet, donated by UCF, were awarded to guests who purchased raffle tickets.

UCF also donated $1,200 to the American Foundation for Auxilia, a non-profit organization that helps orphans and needy children in Lebanon. Several board members representing the Auxilia Foundation accepted the check in honor of an 11-year old boy, who desperately needs the monetary support.

“It means a lot. Every time we can help a child, with education, medical expenses, or food, it’s a great accomplishment for us,” said Dolly Matta, one of the board members of the Auxilia Foundation. “The $1,200 today will help a child for a whole year, medically, education wise, and with food.”

Michigan coordinator for Auxilia, Samar Malouf, was unable to attend the banquet, but expressed her appreciation to the United Cedars Foundation on Facebook, thanking the organization for “(helping) needy children in Lebanon.”

“We really do appreciate the support of UCF. The donation is needed to help the boy with living expenses,” said Rowina Eid, a Auxilia board member, who briefly spoke during the program.

The United Cedars Foundation will be able to stay in touch with the 11-year old boy, exchange letters, and visit him during future trips to Lebanon.

“It makes me feel so good. I visit Lebanon from time-to-time and see how everything is becoming more expensive, and how hard it is becoming to survive and when you see one child who is not able to go to school, it’s very sad,” Matta added.

To view photographs from the evening, click here. Please “like” Lebanese Examiner on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from in and around the Lebanese-American community.

PHOTOS: Maronite Catholics celebrate dual canonization

(WARREN, MI) Michigan Maronite Catholics celebrated the historic dual canonization during both morning liturgies on Sunday. Father Alfred Badawi mentioned the momentous moment several times throughout the liturgy.

Pope Francis declared Popes John XXIII and John Paul II saints before some 800,000 people in an unprecedented ceremony made even more historic by the presence of emeritus Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square.

Never before have a reigning pope and a retired pope celebrated Mass together in public, much less at an event honoring two of their most famous predecessors.

Check out the gallery of photos from our Facebook page below.

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