Representatives from the foundation said, “We are amazed at the accomplishments of the small team at Unite Lebanon Youth Project in five short, tumultuous years. While you reached thousands of vulnerable youth and opened doors to success and unity that were unimaginable before, Lebanon was coping with a flood of refugees from neighboring Syria that put pressure on government services and on the already fractious social fabric of Lebanon. Your achievements in the midst of such difficult times makes it all the more significant for the children you have helped believe in themselves and the students you have gotten into college with full scholarships. The work of Unite Lebanon Youth Project has created a space for the vulnerable youth of Lebanon – Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians – to believe success is possible even in the midst of physical, financial, and mental insecurity. You’re leading a transformation towards unity and understanding between different nationalities that do not naturally interact and work together toward a brighter future.”
Past recipients of the Award for Institutional Excellence have included St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Amnesty International USA, Children’s Defense Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Vital Voices.
AAIF’s Gibran Gala is an annual black-tie event, the highlight of the Arab American social calendar. The gala brings together approximately 600 attendees, leaders from every industry, members of the House, Senate and Administration, journalists and academics, media celebrities, and more. Proceeds from this elegant and inspiring event support AAIF’s research and outreach, leadership programs and scholarships, and the myriad projects that allow our organization to respond to issues, opportunities, and even crises as they arise.