The Abbas Family Red Wagon Fund, housed at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), was established to honor the memory of Issam and Dr. Rima Abbas and their three children Ali, Isabella and Giselle, who were tragically killed on January 6, 2019 after they were struck by a wrong-way drunk driver. The fund aims to forever carry out the Abbas family’s remarkable legacy of generosity and community support by supporting small and large projects, focused on breaking down barriers through advocacy, access to healthcare, education, and other initiatives that aim to center marginalized voices and promote empowerment, equity and healing.
To honor their legacy, Tom and Rana Taylor established The Ali, Isabella, and Giselle Legacy Scholarship within the Abbas Family Red Wagon Fund. Rana is the sister of Dr. Rima Abbas and aunt to Ali, Isabella and Giselle. Both she and her husband, who are residents of the city of Northville, hope to continue the tradition of giving back to the Northville community, particularly the Northville Public Schools, which Ali, Isabella and Giselle attended as eighth, seventh and second graders, respectively. Their aim is to carry on Ali, Isabella and Giselle’s generous legacy by supporting senior students who demonstrate a commitment to education, community service, and the values of helping to create a just, equitable, and inclusive society.
The Ali, Isabella and Giselle 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 (NHS) students who demonstrate a commitment to community service, equity, inclusiveness, and kindness. It is anticipated that each scholarship will be $1,000-$2,500 per graduating high school senior who meet the Northville Educational Fund standards. The fund will make all grant distributions directly to the student’s affiliated college or university once they are enrolled. All colleges and universities must be accredited.
Applications due on April 1st, 2021 at 11:59 pm. Please download and review the instructions before submitting your application.
Click here to learn more about the Ali, Isabella, and Giselle Legacy Scholarship.