Yes! We did it again. This year's “A Common Thread: Celebrating People of the African Diaspora” was very successful. With the help of over 100 sponsors, individuals and organizations, and our very first honoree Mr. Abraham Krasnoff we raised $140,000 after expenses.


(L-R) Peter Visconti, Valerie Cartright, Howard Glickstein, Marge Rogatz, David McClean, Suzy Sonenberg, Scott Williams, Elaine Gross, Christina Vargas Law, Aldustus Jordan, and Sitting-honoree Abraham Krasnoff

Over 270 diverse guests from Nassau County, Suffolk County, as well as the broader Metropolitan area celebrated with a Caribbean flair at the elegant Carlyle on the Green in Bethpage. They enjoyed great music that was played on steel pans by the group Ex-Zib-Its Steel Orchestra; the wonderful selection of appetizers reflected the theme, including a Caribbean grill station. The Marketplace was back again by popular demand and featured beautiful local and African wares from Bob Carter who had sculptures and paintings & Panchita Carter who had beautiful handmade jewelry. Zawadi fiber art studio provided wearable art for your body and home. We also had wearable works of art by Bernie Rohe of New York. Shimoda also from New York City added fantastic jewelry. To top things off we also included ERASE Racism's beautifully designed and handmade portfolio.

The brief program was emceed by Ms. Denise Richardson co-host of the Pledge Drive on WNET Thirteen. ERASE Racism Board Chair
Dr. Aldustus Jordan of Stony Brook University School of Medicine, president Elaine Gross and event co-chairs Gini Booth and Scott Williams also provided brief remarks. Our honoree Mr. Krasnoff received the ERASE Racism courage and commitment award with grace, humility and poignant words of praise and thanks. It was announced that moving forward; the award will be called the Abraham Krasnoff Courage and Commitment Award.

View the 2006 Spring Benfit Photo Album