USC Shoah Foundation Institute Honors Wallis Annenberg With the Ambassadors for Humanity Award

LOS ANGELES, CA—APRIL 23, 2007—This evening, Steven Spielberg, Founder of the Shoah Foundation, will present the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s Ambassadors for Humanity Award to Wallis Annenberg. Longtime supporter of the organization Jerry Seinfeld will serve as host. The event will also feature a performance by Don Henley.

The USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s archive contains the largest collection of visual history testimonies in the world. Nearly 52,000 video testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses were collected in 32 languages and from 56 countries. The Ambassadors for Humanity Award honors individuals who embody the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s goal of using the archive to promote tolerance, cultural understanding, and mutual respect.

Wallis Annenberg serves on the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s Board of Councilors and is a long-time supporter of the organization. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, Wallis Annenberg has embraced the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s mission to overcome prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry—and the suffering they cause—through the educational use of the Institute’s visual history testimonies, and is a committed supporter of its global outreach efforts.

Steven B. Sample, President of the University of Southern California, said, “The partnership of the Shoah Foundation Institute and USC allows us to greatly enhance research and teaching, and affirms our shared values of building tolerance and understanding through education. I think it’s fitting that the USC Shoah Foundation Institute is honoring a woman who embodies the Institute’s mission and values. Wallis Annenberg is the epitome of an active and passionate citizen whose work is truly making a difference in people’s lives.”

“Ambassadors for Humanity are role models who lead by example, promoting tolerance and social justice through social action and philanthropy,” explained Douglas Greenberg, USC Shoah Foundation Institute Executive Director. “Wallis Annenberg’s dedication to improving society serves as an inspiration to all of us.  Her visionary leadership has pushed the boundaries of traditional philanthropy, and the lasting impact she has had on so many lives makes her a true Ambassador for Humanity.”

Steven Spielberg, Shoah Foundation Founder and Honorary Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute, said, “We are fortunate to honor Wallis Annenberg, who shares the Institute’s vision; her grasp and understanding of the Institute’s mission is profound. We are especially pleased to be honoring her at our inaugural event as part of the University of Southern California, where she has set an example of remarkable commitment and raised the bar for all of us.”

Turner Network Television (TNT), for the third consecutive year, serves as the presenting sponsor for the Ambassadors for Humanity Gala Dinner. “We are proud of our relationship with the Shoah Foundation Institute and support its efforts to further tolerance, respect and understanding," said Steve Koonin, President of Turner Entertainment Networks.

Bulgari has been an annual partner for the event since its inception in 2000. Bulgari designed the unique award for the event, symbolic of their commitment to the USC Shoah Foundation Institute and all those who strive to make the world a more tolerant place.