The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center‘s (HHREC) 2011 Annual Benefit, Be the Difference, will take place at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club on Thursday, Nov. 3. A cocktail reception, raffle and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m.

HHREC’s mission is to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to safeguard human rights today.  Its educational programs reach more than 12,000 middle school, high school and college students and teachers in Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield Counties yearly.

The benefit will honor “The Spirit of Humanity” award recipients, Richard and Lee Laster, of Chappaqua. Former chairman of HHREC Richard Laster will be recognized for his 14 years of service, during which the Center’s mission was broadened to include human rights education and new innovative educational programs.   Lee Laster is an active board member.

The event also will honor the memory of the late Bernard J. Rosenshein (Z”L), of Mamaroneck.   Mr. Rosenshein, a dedicated board member, will posthumously receive the “Courage to Care” award.

Additionally, the event will honor members of HHREC’s speakers’ bureau of Holocaust survivors, rescuers and liberators who share their wartime experiences with school and community audiences. Personal testimony by the Speakers Bureau members gives a face to the history of the Holocaust.

The raffle grand prize is a trip for two to Amsterdam that includes round-trip airfare courtesy of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, a private tour of Anne Frank House and a two night stay donated by the Amsterdam Marriott.

The keynote speaker will be Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, who will receive the “Be the Difference” award, in recognition of her important work in the field of human rights.

For registration information, please visit www.hhrecny.org/benefit or contact HHREC at 914-696-0738, or via email [email protected].

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