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Outstanding leaders honored at MCCJ Gala

Seven of Miami’s most outstanding leaders were recognized for their contributions to our community by the Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews (MCCJ) at its 56th Humanitarian Awards Gala on March 15th.  The Gala was chaired by Antonio Argiz, and the Awards Chair was Donald Bierman.  Almost 300 persons were in attendance, including many Silver Medallion Recipients of prior years, who proudly wore their Medallions. 

In an uplifting and inspiring ceremony, the prestigious Silver Medallion for Humanitarianism was awarded to Sheldon Anderson, Albert Dotson Sr., Deborah and Larry Hoffman, and Rosa Sugrañes.  “Cities rely on their people: visionaries who give of their time and talents to improve the lives of others,” said MCCJ Board Chair Alejandro Aguirre. “In this group of Honorees, we find just that – gifted persons who have touched many lives. They embody the spirit of Miami.”

Harve Mogul and Jacob Solomon were honored with the distinguished Public Service Award for serving the entire community through their leadership of the United Way of Miami-Dade and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation respectively.  Tony Argiz, who has demonstrated his personal commitment to achieving respect and understanding for all by chairing the MCCJ Gala for the second year in a row, declared: “Our Award Recipients personify what MCCJ is about. Through their dedication and actions they are building bridges of understanding among the different communities that call Greater Miami home.”  Former MCCJ Board Chairs Bob Traurig, Nelson Adams, Herman Russomanno, and Donald Bierman joined MCCJ Board Chair, Alejandro Aguirre, on the podium for a moving tribute to Jim Howe, MCCJ’s former Executive Director who retired in September 2007.

Founded in 1935 as a Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ), but independent since 2005, MCCJ advances understanding and respect among people of all cultures, religions and races.  MCCJ’s Heritage Panel Trainings for high school students and its Interfaith Clergy Dialogues have received widespread praise for fostering respect for diversity and training inclusive leaders in Greater Miami.

For more information about the MCCJ Humanitarian Awards Gala, please contact Birgit Van Hout, MCCJ Executive Director at 305-755-6096 or bvanhout@miamiccj.org.

To view photos of the MCCJ Humanitarian Awards Gala please click here.