Muslim Family Services Host 7th Annual Fundraising Dinner A Great Success

Muslim Family Services Press Release

The audience at the Muslim Family Services Fundraiser.

On the evening of Sunday March 2nd, 2014, Muslim Family Services, a Division of ICNA Relief USA Programs (MFS) held their 7th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event started at 5:00PM with over 300 guests attending. Beautiful faces from every South Eastern Michigan community decorated the room. In November, 2013, Muslim Family Services had the honor of opening Michigan’s 1st Muslim developed and operated women’s transitional home called ‘Sakinah House’. It is primarily this very establishment that the organization sought to raise funds for. The keynote speaker of the night was Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir hailing from Canada. It was an honor to hear the author, engineer, and humanitarian, among many other titles, speak for this cause. Br. Saleem Khalid, a community gem, humanitarian and director of Muslim Enrichment Program (MEP) was the fundraiser.  The friendly family man and community member Br. Naveed khan was the MC for the night.

The event started off with a video presentation of Sakinah House: Women’s Transitional Home. The video touched on the need for safe establishments for displaced Muslim women, in addition to details about enrichment programs that the Sakinah House Women’s Committee is developing. These programs include but are not limited to courses on financial management, resume building, employment seeking strategies, English language literacy and public speaking. The committee also has planned fun days with residents during which they do arts, crafts and have halaqas (spiritual reminders) in order to increase residential cheer and support them on their journey towards stability. Guest were impressed by the efforts of Sakinah House staff to meet all the attainable needs of their residents.

MFS also shared another video that highlighted their numerous, ongoing programs and initiatives. Their food pantry has fed thousands of families in the metro-Detroit area. They offer financial support to individuals needing assistance with utility bills among many other hardships. Janaza (burial services) are sponsored for families below the poverty line. MFS also helps Muslim families become licensed foster parents in the state of Michigan. In addition to these wonderfully necessary programs, MFS also organizes seasonal programs like their; “Sponsor-A-Family Ramadan Project”, “Eid Toy Drive”, “Back-To-School Backpack giveaway” and Free Annual Health Fair which is coming up in April.

Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir, the author of a plethora of books including “Blissful Marriage” and “Meeting the Challenge of Parenting in the West: An Islamic Perspective”, graced the stage. This humble family man was the ideal speaker to promote Muslim Family Services endeavors because he, like MFS is dedicated to promoting healthy and happy Muslim Families on a broad scale. Br. Beshir spoke about the need for organizations like MFS dedicated to serving the Muslim populace and promoting healthy, stable Muslim families. Dr. Beshir reminded guest that all Muslims have a duty towards one another. One of those duties is to support each other in doing good. He ended by encouraging all to donate to MFS in order to support Sakinah House and keep their programs operating.

The organization’s goal was to raise $110,000. $60K will be used for the maintenance, management of Sakinah House and comfort of their residents. $50K will cover the expenses until coming Ramadan towards all of the above mentioned programs and initiatives. By the grace and mercy of Allah (swt) this goal was met! Br. Saleem Khalid was a huge contributor to the success of the fundraiser. His familiarity with and belief in the initiatives that Muslim Family Services facilitates daily qualified him as an eye-witness in their efforts. This, paired with his charisma and keen understanding of societal challenges allowed him to speak eloquently and encourage all Muslims to show their support.

Alhamdulilah, the event was a joyous occasion for all. Guest dined on delicious cuisine as they enjoyed the news of Muslim Family Services newest establishment, Sakinah House. After hearing the plea of displaced women and the urge from local professionals to the community, the need for financial assistance was well understood. Muslim Family Services simply cannot continue to service those in need without your help. They are forever grateful to all of their supporters both near and far. Without you and your contribution, their programs would be but dreams. In addition, MFS would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Beshir, Br. Saleem Khalid and Br. Naveed for helping inform the masses about their works. May Allah (swt) reward you all immensely in this world and the next.

Muslim Family Services is located at: 12346 McDougall St. Detroit, MI 48128 and can be contacted via phone at 313-366-6800 and email at office@mfs.icnarelief.org. Donations can be made online at www.muslimfamilyservices.org or by check sent to the above address.

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