On May 7, Zaman held its first Mother's Day Brunch since 2019, bringing together a sold-out crowd of 750 women to support the organization's critical mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for their sisters in need. Despite a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the message from attendees and Zaman was clear: their commitment to this mission has not faltered. And the record-setting proceeds proved it.
With the encouragement of Zaman's Board Vice-Chair and event emcee, Dr. Colleen Ezzeddine, attendees excitedly flocked to the highlight of the afternoon: the raffle. This year's featured 110 prize baskets, ranging from a larger-than-life collection of Squishmallows, to two beautiful Shinola watches, to a travel package to Lebanon or Turkey valued at $900.
Guests also shopped the Mother's Day Marketplace, which, this year, featured women-owned businesses that traced their roots back to Zaman. For example, Arwa's Corner, a company created by a BOOST graduate with support from Zaman's entrepreneurship classes, stunned shoppers with intricately embroidered products. Also featured were Designed by Lena, a shop offering customized goods, and Mira Kreation, a sweets shop featuring chocolate-covered treats.
During the brief program, attention turned to Zaman's mission. Founding Chair Najah Bazzy summarized what has transpired since the 2019 Brunch, which included everything from Zaman's recognition as a Top 10 CNN Hero, to the near completion of the Hope for Humanity Center's Client Corridor, to the critical services provided to the local and global community during the height of the pandemic. As she closed her remarks with a slideshow of these highlights to the tune of Andy Grammer's "Don't Give Up On Me" (the theme song of the 2019 CNN Hero broadcast), there was not a dry eye in the house.
Expressing the importance of monthly donations, Bazzy emphasized the impact that the women in attendance could have on the families Zaman serves. "The resilience and heroism of our clients as they work tirelessly to break their cycle of poverty is breathtaking. This work that they're doing, and the work we do to support them is critical. We cannot give up on them, or on the mission."
We extend our gratitude to the attendees, basket donors, and the generous sponsors of the event:
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Muslim Foster Care Association
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Ramadan Suhoor Festival
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Shamiat Restaurant
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Venture Title Agency
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In-Kind Sponsors: Maison Farola, Qahwah House, MKLR Event Decorations, Tim Horton's, Dairy Queen, Divine Dine Detroit
