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

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida has announced that they will be honoring Valeria and Jim Shapiro at their annual Dinner of Tribute on April 7.

According to the Center's Executive Director Pam Kancher, they were chosen for their long history of building bridges among local organization.

"Jim and Valeria thrive on bringing people and organizations together," Kancher said. "They understand that encouraging people and groups to work together strengthens all of us. It is because of this passion for making those vital connections, and their dedication to the Holocaust Center and its mission, that we're taking this opportunity to honor them."

The Shapiros have been actively involved with the Center for many years. Jim has served as a board member for 15 years, including two terms as president and Valeria chaired the Dinner of Tribute twice. Most recently they spearheaded the Holocaust Center's partnership with the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, where Valeria is a board member, to produce "The Best of Enemies"-a powerful play about race relations and school desegregation in the 1960s as part of our Center's 50th anniversary celebration of the Civil Rights Act.

Kancher calls them remarkable leaders "who are passionate about making the world a better place." Besides the Holocaust Center, Jim serves as a board member of Seniors First, and last year they received the Jewish National Fund's Tree of Life award for their commitment to community involvement and devotion to peace.

The Dinner of Tribute will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive. Opportunities to be part of the tribute-reservations, program ads and auction donations-are offered. More information is on the Center's website (www.holocaustedu.org) or by calling 407-628-0555.