DUBAI: Lebanon-born Takreem Foundation is set to host a festive night of song and celebration in Beirut — and all for a good cause. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle “Shining Stars of Hope,” taking place on Dec. 21 at the Casino du Liban in Beirut, will feature more than 120 renowned artists, performers, and award-winning choirs and musicians, all taking to the stage to raise money for Lebanese artists challenged by economic adversity and political turbulence. “Last Christmas, I had a call regarding an Arab singer and actress who was in a very bad financial position and she needed surgery. And this led us to think how we can help people like her, and this is why we decided to host this concert to raise funds to help artists in a similar position,” said Ricardo Karam, Takreem founder and board chairman. Some of the big names to perform on Thursday night include opera singer Bechara Moufarrej, singer Fadia Tomb El-Hage, singer Yuri Mraqqadi, conductor Andre Hajj, and actress and singer Marilyne Naaman. Talking about why he set up the Takreem Foundation back in 2009, Karam said: “I wanted to contribute to changing the narratives about the Arab world. I wanted to highlight Arabs who make a difference and who can be changemakers in different fields.” In future events, the organization is looking forward to hosting the Takreem Awards in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 3, 2024, while the Takreem America Awards will take place in Boston on April 20, 2024. The “Shining Stars of Hope” show will also be broadcast on Lebanon’s LBCI channel on Dec. 24.