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JOIN US FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL THREADS OF GIVING GALA

Honoring Bushra Rahim with the Outstanding Arab American Philanthropist Award

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) is pleased and honored to announce that local and international philanthropist Bushra Rahim is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Arab American Philanthropist Award. Bushra will be recognized at CAAP’s Threads of Giving Gala on September 18, 2021.

The evening will include a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner and classical Arabic musical entertainment program by internationally heralded composer and musician, Simon Shaheen and his brilliant ensemble with extraordinary guest vocalist Nina Boutros El-Hayek. Dress code is business formal attire. 

Event Location:
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
100 Lakeside Avenue East
Cleveland, OH 44114

Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, particularly the highly contagious Delta variant, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) respectfully asks that all Threads of Giving Gala attendees be fully vaccinated before attending the event. The CDC defines “fully vaccinated” as two weeks after receiving a second shot of a two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Please plan to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival to the event. Wearing face masks will be optional, however CAAP encourages participants to wear a mask except for when eating or drinking, in light of the most recent recommendations by the CDC.

About Bushra Rahim 

With an impressive career of over 35 years in interior design and construction as well as a staunch commitment to uplifting people in need, Bushra Rahim exemplifies what it means to be a successful leader and powerful philanthropist.  

As an immigrant herself, Bushra’s empathy for those displaced from their homes runs deep. In the early ‘90’s, as Iraqi refugees began arriving in the Cleveland area, Bushra was stunned at their dire conditions. She and her husband established The Iraqi American Society in 1992 to coordinate fundraising efforts to aid these families. Since then, with multiple waves of refugee crises, Bushra hasn’t stopped her commitment to the Iraqi and Syrian people escaping conflict. Whether it be through providing housing to refugees, connecting them to ESL courses or coordinating job placements, Bushra paves the way for them to be self-sustainable and independent. 

Cancer research and treatment is another cause that hits home for Bushra. After devastatingly losing her mother to cancer and ultimately becoming a cancer survivor herself, Bushra was moved to help fight the disease. She is an avid supporter of the Cleveland Cancer Society Hope House and the King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan. The charitable work of Bushra and her sister, Maha, in Jordan heal and treat thousands of Iraqi children who otherwise could not afford cancer treatment.

Bushra’s interior design and construction company, BR Design, has designed and built thousands of enriching spaces for families in Ohio. She lives in Moreland Hills, Ohio, with her husband, Nezar, a Nephrologist. She has four children: Ayad, Besma, Reem and Ahmed.

SIMON SHAHEEN AND HIS BRILLIANT ENSEMBLE

Simon Shaheen dazzles his listeners as he deftly leaps from traditional Arabic sounds to jazz and Western classical styles. His soaring technique, melodic ingenuity, and unparalleled grace have earned him international acclaim as a virtuoso on the ‘oud and violin. As a composer, Shaheen has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, Meet the Composer, the Jerome Foundation, Continental Harmony, and Yellow Springs Institute. We are excited Shaheen and his ensemble will be bringing us a night to remember with their beautiful performance.

About the Center for Arab American Philanthropy

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), an ACCESS institution, is a national community foundation with the objective to unite and empower the Arab American community by demonstrating the impact of giving together. CAAP improves communities through grantmaking, serves donors by providing smart charitable giving tools, and shapes perceptions about Arab Americans by highlighting their exceptional contributions to society.

The 2019 Gala, which took place in Boston, drew more than 200 attendees and honored Dr. Ghaleb Daouk. You can view photos here.

Sponsorship and Ticket Info: 

CAAP Gala Levels

For ticket inquiries, please contact Mikala Cox at 313-203-3984