DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - A philanthropist and longtime supporter of Arab causes has pledged $2 million to the Arab American National Museum in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn.
Museum parent organization ACCESS announced the gift on Tuesday from Russell Ebeid (EE’-bide). The retired president of Auburn Hills-based Guardian Industries’ Glass Group plans to leave the money in his will as an endowment for the museum’s community archives.
ACCESS officials say the individual gift is five times larger than any other it has received and boosts a collection designed to showcase the contributions of Arabs to the unfolding American story.
Ebeid says he supports “creating a loud and proud historical heritage” and hopes it inspires others to join him.
The Lebanese American grew up in southwestern Detroit and currently owns the Fairlane Club in Dearborn.
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