Entering its second century with a theme of “ADL: Now More Than Ever,” the Anti-Defamation League’s Pacific Southwest Region held its 2014 Annual Gala Celebration on December 9 before a crowd of over 600 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was an evening filled with insights into the importance of building bridges to — and understanding among — different communities. The event raised over $1.1 million to support ADL’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism and bigotry.
Two distinguished community members were honored for excellence in their professional fields, leadership in the community and their philanthropic endeavors. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of East West Bank Dominic Ng was the Humanitarian Award recipient. Jurisprudence Award recipient Dean Marks is now Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Chief, Global Content Protection at the Motion Picture Association of America, after serving as Senior Vice President, Intellectual Property for Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. until December 5.
In his acceptance remarks, Dean Marks focused on areas of interest that draw him to the ADL mission: LGBT issues and diversity. “The mission of ADL resonates with me because I was fortunate to have been raised with values of empathy and tolerance.” As a gay man and the father of cross-cultural adopted sons, he stressed the importance of these issues and appreciation of ADL’s long-standing and consistent support of LGBT rights and equality and commitment to diversity education.
Marks has served on the Board of Directors of Kidsave for ten years and was Co-Chairman in 2008. He is involved in a number of LGBT organizations, including as the Executive Sponsor of the Warner Bros. LGBT business resource group, OUT@WBS. He also works with the Point Foundation, the national LGBT scholarship fund. His award was presented by John Rogovin, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Warner Bros.
During his acceptance speech, Dominic Ng also lauded ADL’s mission and compared it to that of East West Bank. “We have common goals,” said Ng, referring to ADL’s commitment to outreach to the diverse communities of Los Angeles and to “constructive dialogue, education and advocacy.” Throughout his remarks, Ng mentioned the importance of “stepping up.” Whether denouncing xenophobia or calling out a public figure who disparages a group through stereotypes, Ng complimented ADL for “stepping up when they see bigotry, discrimination or hatred” and reflected that “more people should learn from ADL and step up.” In closing, he said, “Thanks, ADL for your ongoing vigilance. Fight on.”
Named by Forbes as one of the 25 most notable Chinese Americans and one of the 100 most influential people in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Times, Ng is known for his community leadership. He serves as an independent director on the board of Mattel, Inc. and was the first Asian American campaign chair for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles in 2000. As former Chairman of the Committee of 100, Ng promoted mutual understanding between the U.S. and China and advocated a collaborative partnership between the two countries. Ng is also a member of the University of Southern California Board of Trustees. His award was presented by Anthony N. Pritzker, Managing Partner, Pritzker Group.
In addition to the award presentations, four individuals served as spotlight speakers sharing first-hand the impact of ADL programs and services. Each “spotlight” speaker spoke from the heart.
- Duniya, an Afghani Muslim teen continuing her education in Los Angeles away from the reach of the Taliban, spoke of her experience learning about the Holocaust at ADL’s National Youth Leadership Mission.
- Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Bill Lewis discussed the many ways ADL resources help law enforcement.
- Rialto Middle School Principal Rhea McIver Gibbs commended ADL on its Holocaust Education programs for teachers.
- Recent Occidental College graduate Hannah Mandel lauded ADL for its immediate response to an anti-Semitic act on campus.
Actress Joely Fisher served as Master of Ceremonies and Reverse Osmosis, a University of Southern California a cappella group, provided musical entertainment.
Honorary Dinner Co-Chairs were Peggy and Andrew Cherng, William J. McMorrow, and Wendy and Barry Meyer. Dinner Co-Chairs were Ivy Kagan Bierman and Harriet and Steven Nichols.