Dr. Rima Abbas, her husband, Issam, and three children, Ali, Isabella and Giselle, were all tragically killed by a drunk driver on January 6, 2019. Established by Dr. Abbas’ sister, Rana Abbas-Taylor, and her husband, Tom Taylor, The Abbas Family Red Wagon Fund at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) was created to ensure the Abbas family’s values and contributions will continue to uplift future generations. The fund houses two scholarships, The Issam and Dr. Rima Abbas Endowed Scholarship and The Ali, Isabella and Giselle Abbas Legacy Scholarship.
The Issam and Dr. Rima Abbas Endowed Scholarship supports exceptionally driven and talented senior high school students at Fordson High School, who wish to make a difference in the world. This scholarship program aims to further the commitment that Issam and Dr. Abbas — both Fordson alumns — had to higher education and community service. On June 1, 2023, three students were each recognized with a $2,500 scholarship at Fordson High School’s Annual Honors Night. Congratulations to this year’s awardees, Hadia Chami, Ghassan Shohatee and Selene Alatrach!
The Ali, Isabella and Giselle Abbas Legacy Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally driven and talented senior high school students at Northville High School. The intent of this scholarship is to support motivated Northville Public School students who demonstrate a commitment to community service, equity, inclusiveness and kindness. Congratulations to this year’s awardees, who each received a scholarship of $1,500, Farrah Mehta and Chelsea Coon!
