Mark the calendar for Oct. 28 as the Arab American National Museum hosts its annual Grand Gala fundraiser with a Masquerade Ball taking place at Detroit’s Westin Book Cadillac hotel.
This year’s masquerade theme fuses a resurgent and prominent Detroit with its vibrant Arab American community, with dining and entertainment in the historic hotel’s Woodward Ballroom.
Located in the heart of downtown, The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit represents a revitalized Detroit as it has been restored to its original splendor, while showcasing a modern-day twist.
Guests can enjoy music from Arab World superstar Elias Karam, who is slated to be the main performer at the gala.
Karam, a Syrian vocalist, who performs Arabic tarab-infused music.
The AANM Gala is a signature event celebrating the institution’s role as the first and only museum to tell the Arab American story. The gala has taken place every year since 2004 and has typically generated 30 percent of AANM’s education programming, while uniting the community’s leading business owners, professionals and intellectuals.
Like every year prior, the annual gala is presented by the Friends of the AANM Committee, a group of highly accomplished women based in southeast Michigan that is co-chaired by Rajaa Saksouk and Raghad Farah.
Saksouk, who has attended every gala since the inaugural year, said she looks forward to the annual celebration because it’s an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of AANM.
“It’s the only Arab American museum in the nation that tells our story and our impact on American society,” Saksouk said. “What amazes me the most is how AANM has become the gem that our community is so proud to have and our banquet has become the party that everyone looks forward to attending.”
At this year’s gala, guests are encouraged, although not required, to let their creative juices flow by wearing a mask to go along with the masquerade theme. AANM will also be handing out masks during the gala for those who would like to join in on the mystery. Dress code is black tie optional; cultural and creative attire is welcomed.
“This is an exquisite, over-the-top celebration that shines the light on the great achievements of the one and only AANM,” Farah said. “I’m so excited to see our guests entering our ballroom area with some awesome creative masks.”
The event will kick off at 6 p.m. with an opening reception. Guests are encouraged to come early for check in and an opportunity to mingle with community members.
At 7 p.m., guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner while listening to welcoming remarks from AANM and the Friends of the AANM Committee.
At 8 p.m., a special mystery guest will take the stage to kick off the entertainment portion of the evening. The highly anticipated live performance by Karam will then shift the celebration into a full-blown Arab World dance party at 9.
The Masquerade Ball is open to the public, and tickets are available online at arabamericanmuseum.org/Gala-2017. Supporter and benefactor tickets for the Masquerade Ball are $250 and $500 respectively. Both include admission to the reception, dinner with two drink tickets and concert performances. Benefactor tickets include program book recognition.
This event is made possible by AANM’s lead sponsors, Merrill Lynch Bank of America Corporation, DTE Energy Foundation, Sharif Hussein & Pascale Eid and many others.
0 Comments