Mr. Halil Demir, Executive Director of Zakat Foundation of America, was honored to receive the 2016 Top Muslim Achiever Award from the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) at the 24th Annual CommUnity Dinner on October 29th, 2016. In his remarks, Mr. Demir first expressed his love for the city of Chicago and its diversity. He continued with genuine humility as well as a sincerity of purpose to help people in need worldwide, and was quick to point out that he “accepts this gift not because of Halil Demir,” but rather on behalf of his hardworking colleagues working diligently to fulfill Zakat Foundation of America’s humanitarian mission in over 40 countries overseas.
To be recognized as a Top Muslim Achiever reflects the success of Mr. Demir’s leadership of Zakat Foundation of America, which brings in over $8 million annually in donations, and has also been consistently accredited by Charity Navigator with a 4-star rating for its humanitarian efforts in emergency relief, seasonal programs and sustainable development both nationally and internationally. Mr. Demir personally embodies the vision that has made Zakat Foundation of America so successful, and we hope that such success in helping those who need it most will continue for many years to come.