Michael Andrew featured entertainment at Dinner of Tribute

The Holocaust Memorial Center in Maitland is honoring Harris Rosen at its annual Dinner of Tribute on Wednesday, April 30. The theme for the event is "What If," with stories, visuals and entertainment that explore how the world would be different if individuals like Rosen had not shown the compassion, courage and generosity it takes to create a better community.

Featured entertainment will be Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band. Andrew, whose vocal style has delighted audiences in major cities throughout the nation, is a special favorite of the Central Florida community. He will be presenting a concert of updated Big Band and Swing music that carries out the theme of "What If," featuring composers whose music was possible because of the extraordinary efforts of others.

In a recent interview, Michael Andrew said that he is delighted to be part of the evening's entertainment.

"What Harris Rosen has done for others is remarkable," he said. "The people I admire most are the ones who break down barriers, people who think about the wellbeing of the broader community." Andrew says that he learned about the world of philanthropy from his idol and mentor, Jerry Lewis. Working closely with Lewis on the musical version of "The Nutty Professor", Andrew has had a remarkable opportunity to hear about the quiet philanthropy of the superstars of the past.

"People like Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, they did whatever they could, anytime they could. Helping others was clearly a priority for them. And I got to know Merv Griffin very well when he hired me to sing at the Coconut Club at the Beverly Hilton. Those men set a very high standard for kindness."

Andrew says he is also a fan of the Holocaust Center. "I've seen what intolerance looks like," he says. "It's important to keep teaching people to stand up for others, to do the right thing."

Dinner of Tribute co-chair Michelle Feinberg says that inviting the band to perform was a bit of a departure for the Holocaust Center's fundraising event. "Some years the entertainment has been serious drama, a couple of years we've invited the ballet to perform. This year we're setting up a dance floor, and after the dinner we'll all have a chance to get up and move to some really great music."

The Dinner of Tribute begins with cocktails and auction at 5:30 PM. It is being held at the Rosen Plaza, 9700 International Drive in Orlando.  Reservations are still being accepted at http://www.holocaustedu.org or by calling 407-628-0555.