More than 150 community members turned out for the Arab American Civic Council’s 2nd annual Arab American Heritage Gala on Saturday April 22, 2017 at the Pacific Hills Bistro Banquet and Catering in Laguna Hills.
Among this year’s extraordinary Arab American Heritage Gala awardees were AJ+ Senior Presenter Dena Takruri who received the Truth in Media Award, Past-President of the Palestinian American Women’s Association Mary Harb who received the Distinguished Leader Award, and Humanitarian activist and emergency medic Mohammad JD who received the Spirit of Service Award.
We were honored to have University of Detroit Law Professor Khaled Beydoun as the keynote speaker, comedian Eman Morgan who provided the entertainment for the evening, and social media influencer Diana Zahra as Master of Ceremonies who’s known for her sketch and observational comedy of the Arab culture.
Elected officials present at the gala were Congressman Lou Correa of the 46th District, Bell Councilman Ali Saleh, and Artesia Mayor Ali Taj.
During the gala, the Office of State Senator Josh Newman presented a resolution to recognize April as Arab American Heritage Month, which was passed unanimously on the Senate floor on Thursday, April 27.
See photos from the event here.
Among the event’s sponsors were Comerica Bank, PIMCO Foundation, and Helping Hands USA. Thank you to all those who sponsored, advertised, volunteered, and attended the gala to support the work of the Arab American Civic Council to empower the Arab American community in Orange County.
