The Abbas Family Red Wagon Fund housed at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy supports small and large projects within Arab American communities, as well as other communities, focusing on breaking down barriers through advocacy, access to healthcare, education, and other initiatives that aim to center marginalized voices and promote empowerment, equity, and healing.

About the Fund

The Abbas FamilyThe Abbas Family Red Wagon Fund was established to honor the memory of Issam and Dr. Rima Abbas, and their three children Ali, Isabella and Giselle, who were killed when a drunk driver struck their vehicle in the early morning of January 6, 2019. The Fund aims to forever carry out the Abbas family’s remarkable legacy of generosity and community support and is spurred by the family’s annual tradition of spreading holiday cheer through small acts of kindness. For years each Christmas, with their parents steps behind, Ali, Isabella and Giselle pulled a red wagon full of presents stopping at dozens of homes in their neighborhood. Each year, the list of stops grew, as did the Abbas family’s commitment to bringing joy to their neighbors.  While this tradition is only one example of the ways this remarkable family devoted themselves to giving back, it speaks to their belief that societal change comes through generosity.  Asked about this tradition, Issam once wrote “It’s nice to see how a simple gesture breaks down barriers.”

About the Abbas Family

There are no words to fully express what the Abbas family meant to their loved ones and community; however, their legacy will live on through the people and organizations they touched through small and large acts of kindness, generosity and giving back.

Learn more about the family here

 

Give to the Fund

Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Issam and Dr. Rima Abbas and their children Ali, Isabella and Giselle.  Donate online or make checks out to CAAP with “The Abbas Family Red Wagon Fund” in the memo and mail to: CAAP, 2651 Saulino Court, Dearborn, MI 48120.

Give to this Fund