Spectacular NJ Fundraiser Helps Fight Bias, Bigotry & Hate in the State

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Feb. 17, 2016 - PRLog -- Please join the American Conference on Diversity in paying tribute to five remarkable community leaders during the 2016 Statewide Humanitarian Awards fundraiser on Thursday, April 7, in West Orange, NJ.

Everyday we are reminded of how essential the work of the American Conference on Diversity is in promoting respect and fighting bias, bigotry and prejudice. “Our work is crucial to make sure that we are reaching as many people as possible so they don’t become targets of hate or before they’re recruited to participate in hate groups,” says American Conference on Diversity President and CEO Elizabeth Williams-Riley. “We cannot let sound bites of bigotry continue to divide us.”

This annual fundraiser supports the American Conference on Diversity’s mission to build just and inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities through awareness, education, and advocacy. By bringing together top executives and community leaders, we hope to raise $300,000 to continue to provide diversity and inclusion services, including the signature Lead for Diversity (http://americanconferenceondiversity.org/lead-for-diversity/)Institute. The yearlong program has positively impacted the lives of more than 3,200 high-school students over the past two decades by providing leadership-development and human-relations training so youth can stand up to hate and educate their peers.

This year’s extraordinary honorees mirror this mission (shown clockwise from upper right):

►The Luing Family, Berkeley College (Legacy Award)

►Jennifer Allyn, Diversity Strategy Leader at PwC (Corporate Ambassador Award)

►Deborah Dagit, Principal of Deb Dagit Diversity (Diversity Ambassador Award)

►Sue Henderson, Ocean High School Counselor (Diversity Champion in Education Award)

►Seham Abdala, Director of the Islamic Network Groups of New Jersey (Diversity Champion in Interfaith Award)

The 2016 honorary dinner co-chairs are Kevin Cummings (http://americanconferenceondiversity.org/2015/03/03/inves...), President and CEO at Investors Bank, and Carol Evans (http://americanconferenceondiversity.org/2015/03/23/celebrate-womens-history-month-working-mother-founder-carol-evans-wins-diversity-ambassador-award/), CEO of Carol Evans Enterprises. Both were 2015 Humanitarian Award winners for their remarkable leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion.

In addition to networking, dining, and entertainment, this year’s fundraiser will include a silent auction of artwork, sports memorabilia, and fine jewelry items. The annual event will kick off with a stellar cocktail and networking reception at 6 p.m. at the historic Pleasantdale Château (757 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052).

Seats are limited! To purchase tickets or to make auction item donations, contact Gala Coordinator Barbara Getze at bgetze@aol.com or (800) 626-8097 today. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Want to demonstrate your commitment to youth leadership-development and diversity & inclusion? Various sponsorship opportunities are also available.

About the American Conference on Diversity

The American Conference on Diversity is dedicated to building just and inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities through awareness, education, and advocacy. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1948 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Today the programs, services, and initiatives of the American Conference on Diversity are among the most important work focused on creating a more inclusive society. It is the unfinished business of living in a highly diverse nation: educating and empowering our next generation of leaders; enhancing our workplaces; and helping to create inclusive communities. The American Conference on Diversity builds on a historic mission and creates programs and activities relevant and vital to 21st Century life. It is a journey we can all take together. The American Conference on Diversity operates Regional Community Networks covering all of New Jersey. Visit www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org to learn more.