WARREN, Mich., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Honored for his outstanding work as a longtime businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Michigan's number one furniture chain received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arab American and Chaldean Council.
On Saturday, September 29th, the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) hosted its 33rd Annual Civic and Humanitarian Awards Gala: Celebrating Michigan. Every year, the ACC honors extraordinary individuals who are visionaries in their respective areas of work. This year, the ACC honored Art Van Elslander with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his committed effort to support those with disabilities and education for underprivileged youth, the homeless and countless others in need.
"The ACC is proud to recognize someone who has a history of over five decades of commitment to the State of Michigan economically and philanthropically," said Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, ACC President and CEO. "Mr. Van Elslander has made it clear that giving back is a priority and we thank him for his continued unwavering support to the overall well-being of the community."
"I am deeply humbled," said Art Van Furniture founder and chairman, Art Van Elslander, "I love Michigan and its people, and I am honored to receive this award from the ACC -- a group that does so much to help people build a life in this great state."
750 attendees were on hand as Van Elslander and seven others were honored, including Susan Goodell, President and CEO, Forgotten Harvest, an Art Van Million Dollar Challenge partner. Previous Achievement Awardees include: U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.
About Art Van Furniture
Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 34 stores throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website, plus six freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Canton, Troy, Rochester Hills, Brighton, Ann Arbor and New Hudson, Michigan. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Mich. Check out artvan.com for more information.
About Arab American and Chaldean Council
ACC is the premier non-profit human service organization providing services to the Middle Eastern and mainstream communities in Southeast Michigan. Furthermore, ACC provides better opportunities to enable newcomers to adjust to their new environment.
SOURCE Art Van Furniture
