Ramadan Philanthropy Campaign!

The Muslim Bar Association's (MBA) Ramadan Philanthropy campaign is now underway. 

Itʼs purpose is to contribute financial resources on behalf of the MBA and its members towards improvement and growth of the Chicago area's dedicated nonprofit legal groups.  We hope that the Ramadan Philanthropy campaign will become an annual MBA tradition so that each year we can select a different deserving organization.  This will also give the MBA an opportunity to extend our networks and build meaningful relationships with other organizations in the legal community.  We hope you will share the enthusiasm and make a financial contribution to the campaign.

It was difficult to choose a recipient organization when there are so many deserving groups throughout the Chicago area.  For this first year, we decided to select a group that a board member has personal experience with so that we will have a close liaison.

The MBA Board is pleased to announce that the recipient of this yearʼs Ramadan Philanthropy campaign will be the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing (LCBH).  It is an exceptional non-profit organization that has diligently served the people of Chicago for over 25 years.  The MBA's past-president, Anthony Simpkins, has worked with the LCBH and he is familiar with their fine work.  You can learn more about the LCBH at www.lcbh.org.

Last week, the government announced its takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  This morning, a Wall Street giant fell as a result of real estate matters.  All Americans live in uncertain times as far as the housing market and the mortgage industry go.  Unfortunately, for the homeless and indigent, the government takeover will not resolve their housing crisis.  As more jobs are lost in the economic downturn, one of the biggest impacts is on housing.  Chicago, in particular, is an area where greater advocacy is needed.  In addition to the recent economic downturn, the closing of the CHA buildings on the south and west sides have raised new concerns.  Many people have been and continue to be displaced as the neighborhoods become gentrified.  The white flight that Chicago once faced has ceased but many of those who cannot afford the newer housing in Chicago are being lost in the shuffle.

We need your support because the MBA can only help make a difference through your efforts and your concern about housing.  Let us come together to show that Muslim lawyers care and are concerned about the welfare of all Chicagoʼs citizens. 

The LCBH is holding its annual fundraiser on September 25.  They are so excited to learn about the MBA Ramadan Philanthropy campaign that they have invited us to attend their fundraiser as guests and make a formal presentation of the MBA gift.  The MBA Board hopes that at least some of you will join us at the event.   

Our goal is to reach $3000.00 by the end of Ramadan.  Please donate generously in this blessed month of charity.  Let us come together as a legal community to make this a successful endeavor for the benefit of all Chicagoans, Insha'Allah.

Please send your checks to:

Muslim Bar Association
c/o Junaid M. Afeef
231 S. State Street, Suite 300
Chicago, Illinois 60604

Please let us know if we can identify you or your firm as a donor.

We bid you peace as you observe Ramadan's special remaining days,

MBA Board of Directors

Junaid M. Afeef, President
Amina Saeed, President-Elect
Abdul-Karim (Andrew) Pigott, Treasurer
Omer Jaleel, Secretary
Anthony Simpkins, Past-President
Aaron Siebert-Llera, Student Representative
Amy Chiang, Student Representative

Comments

[George Asimah]

Salaam Walaikum!I need your help!