Two of the most significant supporters of the Anti-Defamation League’s Los Angeles region – Tootsie Veprin, of Westwood, and Joseph Sherwood, of Century City – each received the Barbara B. Balser ADL Lifetime Achievement Award on Nov. 7 at its annual meeting held at the Beverly Hilton hotel.
The award recognizes those who have devoted a lifetime of leadership in advancing the mission of ADL.
“Both honorees are longstanding members of our Regional Board and Honorary Life Members of the National Commission – outstanding examples of lifetime leadership,” said ADL Pacific Southwest Regional Director Amanda Susskind.
In presenting the awards, past national chair Barbara Balser expressed special pleasure that both distinguished leaders are nonagenarians.
Veprin has supported the League over several decades. In the early years with her beloved late husband Billy, of blessed memory, the Veprins created and funded local and national tribute cards, initiated fundraising projects, chaired five dinner dances and were the humanitarian award honorees at the LA Gala in 2003.
Joe Sherwood has been a leader and supporter for more than 40 years. Together with his late wife Helene, and continuing with his sons Howard and Larry, Sherwood sponsors the region’s annual Helene and Joseph Sherwood Prize Award for Combating Hate. This award recognizes law enforcement officers and programs that go beyond the call of duty to combat bigotry and hate.
It has come to be respected as the premier law enforcement recognition award in Southern California.
Both Veprin and Sherwood provided leadership, which inspired four generations to support ADL, give back to the community and help make a better world.
