In April in Boston and in May in Monaco, the Takreem Foundation honored exceptional personalities from the Arab world through a series of events highlighting their remarkable achievements, philanthropic commitment, and positive impact.
In Boston in April 2024, the annual Takreem America weekend brought together over 500 participants to celebrate Arab-American excellence. During the TAKminds forum at MIT, 16 renowned speakers from various fields, including art, entrepreneurship, and AI, shared their ideas and experiences, exploring ways to create a lasting impact.
The highlight of the weekend was the gala evening at the Westin Copley Place, hosted by presenter Ghida Fakhry. Seven remarkable individuals were awarded for their outstanding contributions:
—Dr. Magid Abraham (Corporate Leadership Award)
—Najla Said (Cultural Excellence Award)
—Dr. Gary Nabhan (Sustainable Development and Environment Award)
— Dr. Elias Zerhouni (Scientific and Technological Achievements Award)
—Ahmed Badr (Young Entrepreneur Award)
—Dr. Dimitri Azar and Prof. Rima Kaddurah-Daouk (Lifetime Achievement Award)
—The Anthony R. Abraham Foundation (Special Distinction)
Ricardo Karam, founder of Takreem, emphasized the importance of their inspiring actions. The event showcased the unity and positive influence of the Arab-American community, supported by generous patrons.
A month later, on May 9, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo hosted the prestigious Takreem Foundation Spring Gala, under the high patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. This flagship event, themed “Art for a Cause,” brought together personalities from around the world to promote cultural exchange and support essential humanitarian causes.
The jury and advisory boards convened at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo to select the 2024 Laureates. The Takreem 2024 Jury Board comprised distinguished members including Mr. Fares Akkad, Mrs. Paula Al Askari, HE Sheikha Alanoud Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Mr. Khalid Janahi, Mrs. Dania Haffar-Bazzy, Mr. Salah Khalil, Dr. Hiam Ali, Mrs. Mayada Himani, Mr. Karim Abdel Mottal, HE Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Mr. Ramez Shehadi, and Mr. Ziad Al-Turki.
The evening featured international performances by Bachar Mar-Khalife, a renowned Franco-Lebanese pianist who dedicated a song to journalists killed in Gaza, Palestine. Additionally, an honorary tribute was paid to Samia Halabi, a pioneering Palestinian-American artist and scholar, Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, president of Seddiqi Holding and a major figure in the luxury watch and jewelry sector, and the late Iskandar Safa, a visionary entrepreneur and committed philanthropist.
Furthermore, a live auction was held, orchestrated by renowned Christie’s auctioneer Julien Brunie, featuring renowned artists united to support the Assameh Birth & Beyond hospital, an NGO founded by the late Dr. Robert Sacy, and Sesobel, which advocates for the rights of disabled children. All proceeds were intended to support vulnerable children in Lebanon, providing them with access to education, protection, and hope.
A special mention was given to the late Pr. Robert Sacy, president of Assameh Birth & Beyond, whose empathy and tireless dedication to abandoned and disadvantaged children deeply inspired the Takreem Foundation. His legacy will continue to resonate through the lives he touched.
In his speech, Ricardo Karam reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to progress and unity, highlighting the strength of an evening where people come together to be a force for change and a beacon of hope, creating a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children.
From Boston to Monaco, the events organized by the Takreem Foundation this spring celebrated the excellence and generosity of the Arab world while reinforcing its support for the most essential causes. Together, as demonstrated by this gala, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children. A message of hope and unity that will endure, carried by exceptional personalities like the late Pr. Robert Sacy.
