CIOGC celebrates 26th annual 'CommUnity Dinner' at Drury Lane
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago hosted its 26th annual "CommUnity Dinner" on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
The great event shines a spotlight on the Muslim community by recognizing top Muslim achievers and their significant contributions to society.
The council is a nonprofit organization unifying federation of over 65 mosques and Islamic organizations with Muslims from across the Chicago area and all walks of life. The theme of this program was " Unity with enduring values."
The sold-out event was a hit with more than 1,000 attendees.
The event was emceed by Mariam Sobh. The event began with a stunning recitation of the Quran and translation by the local Islamic School students. Welcome and opening remarks were conducted by Gregory Abdullah Mitchell, executive director of CIOGC. Civic and interfaith leaders also attended.
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.
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed was the keynote speaker. Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed is an American political activist, former professor, physician and civil servant. He was an unsuccessful candidate in Michigan's 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary election. In September 2018, he founded the political action committee Southpaw Michigan to help elect other progressive candidates in Michigan.
During his keynote speech, he highlighted about Muslim involvement in elections. He said, "I did not run for the election because of Muslim I run because I am an American."
Dr. Bambade Shakoor-Abdullah received the CIOGC Lifetime Achievement Award. She developed the Dreams and Visions Youth Employment Program (CYEP) her program was funded by the Illinois Department of Human Resources.
Top Muslim Achievers was recognized first Top Muslim Achiever in 2018. Dr. Zaher Sahloul is a critical care specialist, associate clinical professor at the University of Illinois, humanitarian, and strong advocate for refugees and victims of disasters including his homeland Syria. He founded several global organizations, including, MED Global and SAMS reduce health care disparity, globally focusing on disaster areas like Syria, Yemen and the Rohingya crises. The second Top Muslim Achiever of 2018 was Dr. Abdul Rahman El-Sayed. He provided programming that addressed the issues such as infant mortality, teen pregnancy, asthma, elderly isolation and health care access opportunities. Both Achievers 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. Awards were given to Malaak Yeha, Bayan Rabeh Salamah, Furqaan Ali, Sarah Syed, Asad Sayeed and Belal Asfor. The fundraising was effectively conducted by Sheikh Hassan Aly, imam and director at The Mecca Center. Fundraising goals were achieved in 15 minutes.
The sponsors of the 26th annual CommUnity Dinner were Mosque Foundation, the Downtown Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Naperville, Muslim Community Center, Zakat Foundation of America, Islamic Foundation North, Benedictine University, Mecca Center, Alwan Printing, Audio Visual Computer Specialists, Elite Decor, Iman Fund, Orland Park Prayer Center and many others.