Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago celebrate 25th anniversary at Annual CommUnity Dinner
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) hosted its 25th anniversary Annual CommUnity Dinner on Saturday, November 4 2017 at Shalimar Banquets in Addison, Illinois. The great event shines a spotlight on the Muslim community by recognizing Top Muslim Achievers and their significant contributions to society. CIOGC is a non-profit organization unifying federation of over 70 mosques and Islamic organizations, With Muslims from across Chicagoland and all walks of life. The theme of this program was "Unity in Diversity: Empowering through Collaboration"
This sold-out event was a hit with more than 1000 attendees the attendance was so large and impressive.
The event was emceed by Habib Quadri. The event began with a stunning recitation of the Quran and translation by the Hafiz Rizwan Shaikh of Islamic Foundation School. Welcome and opening remarks were conducted by Gregory Abdullah Mitchell, Executive Director of CIOGC. Civic and interfaith leaders also attended, including the Consul General of India Mrs. Neeta Bhushan, the Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, and General of Turkey. In Chair remarks CIOGC Chairman, Dr. Bassam Osman explains about CIOGC outlined the goals, activities, expansion plans, and the need for funds to continue meeting the growing needs of the community. Through the video documentary CIOGC shared the exciting projects that it has been busy with over the past year.
Dalia Mogahed was the keynote speaker. Dalia is an American scholar of Egyptian origin. She is the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding in Washington, D.C During her keynote speech she highlighted about Re imagining mosques spaces and she also said as a Muslim we need to encourage more inclusive and welcoming mosques and Islamic Community centers and explained the ways this can be made possible. our mosques should be dedicated to building bridges within the wider community perception and understanding for all.
Top Muslim Achievers was recognized Dr. Dilara Sayeed. She an educator, community activist, dynamic leader and passionate volunteer and Dr. Ragab El-Rashidy. He a founder and CEO of Genix, a pharmaceutical research and development company focused on challenging generic injectable products, with high unmet need and orphan drug opportunities. Prior to Genix, Dr. Elrashidy founded Pentech Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Perrigo in 2012. Both received the award because outstanding contribution in their field and appreciated their work are valued in the community.
Several awards were given to the valedictorians of Islamic School. The Fundraising was effectively conducted by Sheikh Hassan Aly (Imam and Director at The Mecca Center). Fundraising goals were achieved in fifteen minutes.
At the end board Treasurer Tasneem Osmani thanks to all the audience without your support, we cannot continue to unify and empower the Chicago Muslim community. "This is a very great moment to consider supporting an organization that for 25 years has held a proven track record for fostering the successful growth and strength of Chicagoland Muslims as a prominent community in Chicago, and the state of Illinois. We again would like to thank you for your gracious and generous support and hope you will continue to join us in elevating the status of the Chicagoland Muslim community through our work".
The sponsors of the Annual CommUnity Dinner were Mosque Foundation, Downtown Islamic Center (DIC), Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN), Muslim Community Center (MCC), Zakat Foundation of America, Islamic Foundation North (IFN), Benedictine University, Mecca Center, Alwan Printing, Audio Visual Computer Specialists (AVCS), Elite Decor, Iman Fund, Orland Park Prayer Center and Shalimar Banquets.