World Lebanese Cultural Union
The California Ladies Organization for the World Lebanese Cultural Union held its 2014 Mother of the Year Gala Dinner at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale CA.
By: Mrs. Amira Matar- Executive Director
The 2014 mother of the year award was bestowed upon Mrs. Mireille Ayoub for her devotion as a mother and her passion for the elderly. If not for my mother I would not have existed noted the executive director and chairperson of the event Mrs. Amira Matar.
Over 200 guests from Southern California joined us in honor of Mrs. Mireille Ayoub including the Consul General of Lebanon, the Honorable & Mrs. Johnny Ibrahim, The Honorable Judge James Kaddo, Reverend Father Elias Sleiman and Reverend Father Albert Constantine from Our Lady of Mt Lebanon Cathedral in Beverly Hill, Reverend Father Antoine Bakh from St John Maron Church in Orange, Representatives from several Lebanese American Organizations, all were recognized by the chairperson. Mrs. Matar officially acknowledged & thanked current, former presidents & directors of the World Lebanese Cultural Union namely Mr. Edward Nahas, Mr. Anise Garabet, Dr Jason Boutros, Mr. Eddie Abdulkarim, Mr. Solly Asmar, Mr. Ferris Wehbe. Mrs. Matar extended gratitude to all those present including the media, many friends & members of the Ayoub family that filled the hall. Mrs. Ayoub received Certificates of Appreciation form the Honorable Mitch O’Farrell, Councilman of City of LA, Assemblyman Matt Debabneh, Assembly Woman Cristina Garcia, & Councilman Ali Saleh.
The California Ladies Organization- WLCU (“CLO-WLCU”) was established 12 years ago by Mrs. Susan Nahas, as a sub-division of the World Lebanese Cultural Union. The Mission of this organization is to assist the underprivileged living in elderly homes all over Lebanon without prejudice. The members of this organization are influenced by the love & compassion for the elderly whereby many are left without the love of family, medical assistance, social security-often without a roof. There is an enormous need for our mission & although we are not able to provide them with a full dignified life but we hope to bring a smile into their wrinkled face.
This non-sectarian, non-political organization raises funds from various contributions & holds two fund raising dinners per year recognizing citizens with integrity & compassion to the elderly. It is a privilege for the CLO-WLCU to honor a mother with the “Mother of the Year Award” during the month of May & in December a man with the “Humanitarian Award”.
Today & on this occasion, The CLO- WLCU is proud to extend cordial congratulations to all the mothers in our life and mostly to the distinguished mother recipient of the mother of the year award Mrs. Mireille Ayoub. The world is privileged to have a caring mother and a devoted wife such as Mireille.
Mrs. Mireille Ayoub is a gift to our community. She is the role model of a compassionate mother & a foundation for charitable work. A parishioner of Our Lady of Mt Lebanon Cathedral, she co-chairs many activities for the church & supports several organizations dedicated for humanitarian relieve along with her affection to helping the elderly.
Mrs. Matar addressed the guests by admitting that we the members of this organization invite you to attend this big event as a tribute to Mrs. Ayoub but we also intend to expose you to our passion for the elderly – that is our only mission. We hope to inspire you to help us raise enough money to make a difference in the lives of the elderly in Lebanon. We are a small organization but we have a colossal purpose. We donate all the monies we collect. We have no expenses. We write our checks payable directly to the centers that we visit in person. This is it. You give us money in CA & we give it on your behalf to the elderly in Lebanon. In return we bring you back lots of prayers & blessings from their old heart.
Please remember our name-read our messages & at times if you feel that you would want to give, please click on our website to donate: www.wlcucalifornialadies.org
