Purchase, NY - (November 1, 2009) - The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) recently held its 2009 Annual Benefit, Be the Difference, at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club, Mamaroneck, NY. Two Rye residents were honored.

Dr. Tina Strobos was honored with the Courage to Care award, which recognizes the outstanding efforts of an individual who possesses the characteristics of an "upstander." Strobos, along with her family, saved the lives of more than 100 Jews in Holland during the Holocaust. Award-winning actress Tovah Feldshuh, who portrayed a rescuer in Irena's Vow, presented Dr. Strobos with her award.

Dr. Lee Katz, vice chair of HHREC's Board of Directors, was honored with the Spirit of Humanity Award for her lifetime spent in higher education and her ongoing efforts to support HHREC's mission.

Emily and Eugene M. Grant of Mamaroneck and Lee and Richard Laster of Chappaqua co-chaired the event, which raised funds for HHREC's ongoing educational outreach programs.

"Tina Strobos and Lee Katz are quintessential examples of how we should live our lives," said Donna Cohen, HHREC Executive Director. "Dr. Strobos was incredibly selfless in her rescue of Jews during the Holocaust in Amsterdam, and Dr. Katz has dedicated herself to educating students about the ramifications of hate and bigotry and has made significant contributions to support our mission. We are grateful to each of them for accepting our honors."

Nearly 300 people attended the benefit, including Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, Honorary Chairman of the HHREC Board of Directors; Deputy County Executive Susan Tolchin; Congresswoman Nita Lowey; Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley; Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, who is also a member of the HHREC Board of Directors; Senator Suzi Oppenheimer; Assemblyman George Latimer; and New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, among others.

The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center is located at 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, New York 10577. For further information, call 914.696.0738, e-mail hhrec@bestweb.net, or visit www.hhrecny.org.

About the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center: The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center is an interfaith, not-for-profit organization serving Westchester, Fairfield and Putnam counties to encourage and enhance teaching and learning about the Holocaust and its human rights lessons for today. Its members encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice.

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