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Arab Americans of the Year recognized for commitment to Flint, international causes

Award to be presented at ACCESS’ 45th Annual Dinner

DEARBORN, Mich.—ACCESS, the nation’s largest Arab American community nonprofit organization, will award Flint advocates Ghassan and Manal Saab with the prestigious Arab American of the Year award.

The Saabs’ unwavering support of institutions that are changing lives across the world embodies the compassion that is at the heart of ACCESS’ mission to empower communities. The husband-and-wife team also exemplifies the theme for this year’s dinner, From the Neighborhood to the Nation, through their dedication to the revitalization of the City of Flint and as international philanthropists.

“We are tremendously honored to accept the 2016 ACCESS Arab American of the Year award. ACCESS is a remarkable organization that my wife and I have been proud to support for many years,” said Ghassan Saab.

“To be honored by ACCESS for doing our duty towards our community is humbling indeed because we truly believe that 'we take to make a living, but have to give to make a life',” said Manal Saab.

WHAT: Arab American of the Year award presentation at ACCESS 45th Annual Dinner

WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

WHO: Flint advocates and philanthropists Ghassan and Manal Saab

Ghassan Saab founded Uptown Development Group, which works to rejuvenate and rebuild downtown Flint, and has been celebrated for his personal and professional accomplishments, including receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He is the CEO of Sorensen Gross Company, the largest full line construction services organization in Flint, and is a benefactor and leader of numerous organizations, including several dedicated to celebrating Arab American cultural identity.

Manal Saab serves on the Board of Trustees with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, which is coordinating the Flint Water Crisis Response. She is also a longstanding patron and Emeritus member of the Board of Governors of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the nation’s leading hospital in cancer research for children. She also works closely with the Arab American National Museum (AANM), and serves as the Chair of the Museum’s National Advisory Board. She is the CEO of Sorenson Gross Construction Services in Flint.

“Ghassan and Manal’s remarkably accomplished careers are rivalled only by the extraordinary scope of their commitment to numerous worthy causes,” said Hassan Jaber, ACCESS Chief Executive Officer. “We are honored to name them the 2016 Arab American of the Year awardees.”

To learn more about the dinner, follow the link below or visit www.accesscommunity.org.

ACCESS to present Champion of Justice award to Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, global hero of Flint Water crisis, at 45th Annual Dinner

For more information on the ACCESS Annual Dinner, contact Nissrine Hussein at 313-842-4748, or at nhussein@accesscommunity.org. Tickets are available here until Wednesday, April 20.

*Media interested in attending must check in at registration the day of the dinner.

 

About ACCESS

Grounded in a grassroots commitment to serving our community, ACCESS has a 45-year history of providing health, education, employment and social services.  An Arab American nonprofit of excellence, ACCESS empowers communities in Southeast Michigan to improve their economic, social and cultural well-being and extends this mission nationally through advocacy, arts, culture and philanthropy.