Threads of Giving Gala 2024

Michael and Hoda Kardoush embody a remarkable journey of resilience and achievement. As a member of the Nakba generation who experienced the forced displacement of Palestinians, Michael’s journey took him around the world, eventually leading to his marriage to Hoda, who is from Cairo, Egypt. They eventually moved to the United States, where they welcomed their two sons, Mark and Paul.

The Kardoushs have dedicated their lives to cultivating community around giving, promoting appreciation for Arab culture and helping underserved people realize their ambitions, particularly when it comes to educational causes. 

Hoda chaired the first gala for the Arab American Cultural and Community Center (ACC), which generated the seed money for the organization to grow and thrive.

Rooted in their commitment to nurturing opportunities for bright minds, the Kardoushs are involved with and support the Leonard Education Organization (LEO), which assists Palestinians with their educational journeys. In memory of their late son, Paul, they created and endowed a speaker series at the University of Houston, hosting enriching discussions on pressing issues related to the Arab world.

The Kardoushs’ involvement and support for the National Arab Orchestra (NAO) brings the rich heritage of Arabic music to communities across the United States and beyond.

In addition to their inspirational philanthropy, the couple worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams in the U.S. Michael built a dynamic engineering career, eventually becoming a private consultant in oil and gas exploration. Hoda began her successful banking career at Price Waterhouse and eventually pursued her life-long goal of obtaining a college degree at the age of 52. Together, they jointly ventured into the Chinese economy, establishing advanced manufacturing factories and an international marketing network.

Please join us in celebrating Michael and Hoda’s transformational giving and uplifting the power or Arab American philanthropy at CAAP’s Threads of Giving Gala.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

Our program will include a musical performance by an ensemble from the National Arabic Orchestra (NAO). We’ll be joined by NAO Founder and Music Director Michael Ibrahim, NAO vocalist Usama Baalbaki, NAO bassist Jonathon Hammonds, NAO percussionist Alber Baseel and Special Guest Vocalist Liliane Kheirbek.

The NAO’s mission is to preserve and integrate Arab culture by creating memorable musical experiences through education and performance with an emphasis on the musical traditions of the Arab world.