On November 19, 2003, The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding held its annual Fall New York Benefit at the Fifth Avenue home of Dr. Mona Ackerman.

The Foundation presented the prestigious Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Awards to Ruben Rodriguez, President & CEO of Ruben Rodriguez Entertainment, Peter Thomas Roth, CEO of Peter Thomas Roth Labs, and Christopher J. Williams, Chairman & CEO of The Williams Capital Group, for their commitment and edication to strengthening relations among different ethnic communities. Helen Yarmak, Founder of Helen Yarmak Fashion House, was the first woman to receive the Joseph Papp Corporate Leadership Award.

As the first Latino to receive the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award, Mr. Rodriguez spoke of growing up in a multicultural family. Mr. Roth talked about his many philanthropic activities that span different ethnic communities. Mr. Williams mentioned how many business leaders of different ethnicities have mentored him throughout his career. Ms. Yarmak, a pioneer for helping businesswomen in Russia, often is called the Donna Karan of Russia. However, Foundation President Rabbi Marc Schneier told the crowd, "In reality, it is Donna Karan who is the Helen Yarmak of America."

More than 100 people were in attendance, including former corporate honorees Maurice Cox of Pepsi and Johnny Furr of Anheuser-Busch. Bob Roberts, head of the Lucille Roberts Fitness chain, Hazel Dukes, President of the NAACP's New York branch, and Richard Cohen, nationally syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, attended as well.

The Fall New York Benefit celebrates The Foundation's national work in strengthening race relations.

Copyright © 2005 The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding
The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp. We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face, dialogue between leaders of ethnic communities is the most effective path toward the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

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