The Anti-Defamation League Commemorates 100th Year by Honoring Jonathan Lavine with Highest Award

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will honor extraordinary business leader and philanthropist Jonathan Lavine with its 2012 Distinguished Community Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by ADL in New England.

Lavine will receive the honor at ADL's local centennial dinner on Wednesday, December 5th, at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston.

The event will serve as the launch of ADL's centennial commemoration in New England, as the civil rights organization observes its 100th year of confronting anti-Semitism and securing fair treatment for all people.  Robert Gibbs, former White House Press Secretary and senior adviser to President Obama’s reelection campaign, will deliver the keynote address.

Lavine is Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Sankaty Advisors, which he founded in 1997.  Sankaty, the fixed income and credit affiliate of Bain Capital, is one of the leading global credit and distressed debt managers, with approximately $19 billion of assets under management.

ADL is recognizing Lavine's immense civic leadership and influence to affect positive change in our community. Lavine believes strongly in giving back to his community.  Together with his wife Jeannie, Lavine has helped create, grow and sustain numerous organizations focused on improving the lives of children and families around the world.

"It is fitting that we commemorate ADL's centennial in New England by honoring Jonathan Lavine, who embodies the very principles that have defined ADL since 1913,” said ADL National Director Abraham Foxman. “He is a champion for those who need support, and for those who may be bullied or discriminated against. We are delighted to have this opportunity to honor and thank him, to acknowledge his exemplary leadership, and inspire others to follow his extraordinary example of service to the community."

Jonathan and his wife, Jeannie, formed the Crimson Lion Foundation in 2007.  Through Crimson Lion and direct contributions, the Lavines provide financial support to numerous community-based organizations such as City Year, Best Buddies, Cradles to Crayons, uAspire, LIFT Communities, USO, and Opportunity Nation.  The Lavines also proudly support several Jewish organizations, including ADL, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Brandeis University, Hebrew Union College, and American Jewish World Service.

"I am honored and humbled to accept this honor from such an important civil rights organization," said Jonathan Lavine. "ADL's critical mission of bringing together different people and enhancing the quality of life for all reflects the core values of my family, friends and colleagues who are generously supporting ADL’s efforts.   My hope is that any attention generated by this award inspires others to give back generously to their communities."

"One constant in Jonathan's remarkable career is that he always prioritizes the support of diverse communities," said Derrek L. Shulman, ADL New England Regional Director. "The Lavines continue to have a direct and major impact on our shared world, and are ensuring a brighter future for us all. Specifically, Jonathan's work to protect civil rights for all, improve the quality of public education, and set new standards of excellence in public service, is a blessing for which we are fortunate and grateful."

Lavine is a Trustee of Columbia University and The Dana Hall School, a member of the ownership group of the Boston Celtics, and serves on the boards of City Year, Children's Hospital Trust, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Be the Change, Horizons for Homeless Children, and Stand for Children.  He and Jeannie recently endowed the Lavine Family Humanitarian Studies Initiative at the Harvard School of Public Health, which supports the training and education of humanitarian leaders. The Lavines reside in Weston, and have two children.