Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The Holocaust Center in Maitland has announced that the honoree for its 2014 Dinner of Tribute will be Harris Rosen, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts.  Rosen, whose name is most often associated with his world-class resorts, hotels and restaurants, is being honored for his history of philanthropy in Central Florida and beyond.

The Holocaust Center Executive Director Pam Kancher said that honoring Rosen was a "natural fit" for the Center and its work. In particular, his approach to giving-what he calls "responsible capitalism"-speaks clearly to the Center's mission of working to create a more just, more compassionate world.

"The level of his philanthropy is impressive," she said. "He has long supported the Holocaust Center and a number of other causes. His projects in Tangelo Park and in Haiti, his healthcare outreach for his employees, his wonderful support for UCF, all speak to his ability to identify with his employees and their off-duty lives. We often use the Hebrew phrase, tikkun olam, which means 'repairing the world.' That is clearly what Harris Rosen is doing with his generosity."

Rosen's best-known local projects include adopting the neighborhood of Tangelo Park, a small community that he has supported through free universal preschool, parenting resources, college scholarships, and recreational opportunities. Rather than simply donating funds, Rosen also attends community meetings and is actively involved in defining and addressing neighborhood needs.

"Harris Rosen is a great example of the kind of philanthropist who does the most good," Kancher said.  "He gives from his heart, and empowers the group he serves. We are honoring him at our dinner in hopes that others follow his example."

The dinner will be Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at The Rosen Plaza 9700 International Drive, Orlando. It will feature live entertainment and auction in addition to the dinner. Reservations are now being accepted through the Holocaust Center's website (www.holocaustedu.org) or by calling the Center at 407-628-0555.