The Lebanese American University (LAU) celebrated its 9th Campaign for the Beirut Marathon. This year LAU’s motto was “LAU runs for the Dignity and Humankind” partnering with the Anthony Abraham Foundation for a fundraising campaign for the benefit of the Order of Malta – Chabrouh Al-Fadi Center in Lebanon, a hosting center for the physically and mentally disabled.
The celebration that took place in Beirut Campus witnessed the participation of LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra, member of the Board of Trustees Mr. Thomas Abraham, Founder and President of the Beirut Marathon Association Mrs. May El Khalil, Representative of the Order of Malta – Lebanon and the Director of Al-Fadi Center Mr. Patrick Jabre and the CEO of the University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital (UMC-RH) Joseph Otayek on behalf of the Hospital staff that participated enthusiastically in this year’s marathon.
Speaking to the audience, Dr. Jabbra considered that we are celebrating three major noble causes that have transformed our lives, being the Beirut Marathon and its founder and leader May El Khalil, the Order of Malta that has dedicated long year of service and commitment to make a difference in the children of AL-Fadi Center – Chabrouh, and we are celebrating Thomas Abraham who decided to come to us from Florida to participate in the marathon and run for a noble cause. Jabbra also saluted the LAU family and all those who participated in the marathon stressing that we are all here to celebrate a unified Lebanon.
In his turn Abraham, who have sponsored the participation of around 700 runners expressed his joy of coming back to his homeland to participate in a marathon dedicated to a very noble cause which is according to him the most important thing a human being can do, where as El Khalil considered that there is no better thing in life than when people come together for great causes, thanking everyone for believing in the effectiveness and importance of the “Beirut Marathon” as a platform for raising funds and awareness.
Thanking LAU for this great initiative, on behalf of the Order of Malta – Lebanon and Al-Fadi Center, Jabre explained about the center’s activities before watching a documentary reflecting on the summer camps and the mission of the center.
On behalf of LAU, President Jabbra distributed trophies to Mrs. May El Khalil, Mr. Thomas Abraham, Mr. Joseph Otayek and Mr. Nassib Nasr as well as certificates of appreciation to people who have contributed to the success of the event.
Finally, Jabbra and Abraham handed Jabre a check of LBP 12,200,000 dedicated to Al-Fadi Center Chabrouh – Order of Malta, Lebanon.