The late Steven J. Ross — a visionary and the architect of the Time Warner merger — left a legacy of generosity and kindness that has touched so many in the entertainment, media, and communications community and beyond. Our Steven J. Ross Humanitarian of the Year Award honors industry leaders who share Steven's commitment to the humanitarian values of UJA-Federation's mission.
We present the award at the annual Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award Dinner, the premier event of our Entertainment, Media & Communications Division, which draws international media attention.
2008 Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award Dinner
Brian Roberts (left), Chairman and CEO of Comcast presents the Ross Award to honoree Stephen Burke (right), COO of Comcast.
More than $1 million was raised at the 2008 Steven J. Ross Award Dinner on Tuesday, June 17th, as entertainment industry leaders gathered to honor Stephen B. Burke, president and COO of Comcast, at The Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan.
Carly Simon, who performed with her son, Ben Taylor, said, "It was such an honor to be a part of last night's celebration. I am thrilled to have been included in UJA-Federation’s tribute to Steve."
Carly Simon performing.
Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, presented Burke with the award in recognition of his well-known generosity, philanthropic leadership, dedication to caring for those in need, and strong commitment to UJA-Federation's mission. Prior to joining Comcast in 1998, Burke served with The Walt Disney Company as president of ABC Broadcasting, where he was responsible for all ABC television and radio, and Buena Vista Television, ABC's domestic syndication arm. During his time at ABC, he also helped found and develop The Disney Stores.
Among those participating in the black-tie gala were UJA-Federation's Entertainment, Media & Communications Division chairs Matthew C. Blank, chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks Inc., and Jane Friedman, CEO of HarperCollins Publishing Worldwide.
Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award of the Year Honorees
2008: Stephen B. Burke
2006: Richard D. Parsons
2005: Summer Redstone
2004: Michael Eisner
2003: Ralph and Brian Roberts
2002: Ivan Seidenberg
2001: Thomas Middelhoff
2000: Edward Bleiler and Martin Pompadur
1999: Howard Stringer
1998: Bob Wright
1997: Rupert Murdoch
1996: Edgar Bronfman Jr.
