On Thursday, November 21, 2002, The Foundation held its inaugural Los Angeles benefit reception at the home of Brett Ratner, director of the film Red Dragon. The Foundation presented its “Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Awards” to Andre Harrell, President of NuAmerica Music, and Jordan Schur, President of Geffen Records, who have championed the cause of Black/Jewish relations. The Foundation’s “Corporate Leadership Award” was given to MCS Entertainment & Pseudo Entertainment, which was accepted by its CEO, Matthew Schilowitz.

Fred Durst, the lead singer of Limp Bizkit, and Foundation Secretary Russell Simmons presented the awards. Many celebrities participated in and supported The Foundation’s benefit, including Norman Lear, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Tori Spelling, J.J. Abrams, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Edward Norton, Bobby and Mark Shriver, Heavy D., Eriq La Salle, Alicia Silverstone, Steve Rifkin, Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons.

Copyright © 2003 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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