Detroit Plays Host to Golden Cedar Awards Judge Jeanine Pirro, Ambassador Sam Zakhem to be Honored at Sold Out Event

posted on: Jan 26, 2010

Prominent national figures will converge on Detroit next week to celebrate leadership in North America when the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce holds its Fourth Annual Golden Cedar Awards Gala featuring a ‘Night of a Hundred Stars!’, during the evening of Friday, January 29, 2010, in Detroit, Michigan at the GM Renaissance Center Marriott Hotel and in the presence of His Excellency Bachir S. Tawk, Consul General of Lebanon.

Honorees include former Westchester County (New York) District Attorney and County Court Judge, Jeanine Ferris Pirro, host of daytime TV show and former United States Ambassador to Bahrain, The Honorable Dr. Sam H. Zakhem of Denver, Colorado, along with the ‘Pillars of Baalbek’ Awardees. In addition, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Juliette Kayyem will deliver the keynote address. Celebrities & notables scheduled to appear include: Miss Michigan USA Rima Fakih, FOX-2 News Huel Perkins, US Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Hollywood Actor Alex Safi, Recording Artist Ridha Ibrahim LIVE from Tunisia, Michigan Third Circuit Court Judge David J. Allen, International Superstar & Renown Musician Usama Baalbaki, Oud Virtuoso & Middle Eastern Instrumentalist Laith Alattar and Captain Rev. Father Elie Zouein, Chaplain for National Defense of Canada.

This is the Chamber’s black-tie signature event and throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy benefiting and supporting our Chamber’s only fundraising function; networking with dynamic professionals, movers & shakers and business & civic leaders; a silent auction, celebrity toastmaster, great entertainment and a spectacular evening with exciting door prizes; an exclusive art exhibit by New York Visual Artist George Rahme; a Khalil Gibran poetry reading; and an evening of culture, inspiration and celebration recognizing the accomplishments of nationally prominent Lebanese Americans along with local business achievers.

Established in 2005 and nationally chaired by Mr. Jacques Nasser, fmr. Ford Motor Company CEO, The Golden Cedar Award is presented annually to recognize and encourage excellence among outstanding Lebanese Americans in their respective fields, who have demonstrated commitment and principle over the course of a life’s work, and who continue to make strides in promoting and demonstrating leadership and distinction within their industry. This award celebrates and promotes the growing ranks of Lebanese American leaders throughout the country, and honors the strength and hard work of prominent Lebanese Americans, whose zeal for family and country has helped shape society. Recipients are awarded in the fields of Arts and Culture, Education, Sports, Business, Science, Public & Governmental Service, Humanitarianism, Youth Advocacy, Civic Leadership, Community Service, Media and Journalism.

The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit national business organization headquartered in Michigan with a presence in Detroit, New York, Houston, Chicago, Denver & Washington, DC. The Chamber serves to actively develop, promote and advance Lebanese American business and to enhance the economic, social, educational, trade and cultural interests by providing leadership, legislative advocacy, social and philanthropic activities, business networking, special projects and the exchange of business and information. It also seeks to promote economic growth and development, expand business opportunities and heighten awareness between the Lebanese and American communities throughout the United States and Lebanon operating as an American, Michigan-based non-profit corporation linking business professionals locally, nationally, and globally.