President of Disneyland to be Honored at JNF Tree of Life™ Gala

Jewish National Fund
Wednesday, 10 January 2001

ABCNEWS Journalist Cokie Roberts is Keynote Speaker

January 10, 2001 – Anaheim, CA – Cynthia Harriss, president of The Disneyland Resort, has been selected as the Jewish National Fund (JNF) Orange County/Long Beach Region Tree of Life recipient for 2001. Harriss will receive the award at the Tree of Life™ gala at Disney's new Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, California on Wednesday, January 17 at 6:00p.m.

Cokie Roberts, ABCNEWS broadcast journalist and best selling author, will be the evening's keynote speaker. Roberts was named Chief Congressional Analyst for ABCNEWS in January 1998. She covers politics, Congress and public policy for World News Tonight and other ABCNEWS broadcasts.

"The Tree of Life™ award was established as a symbol of life for the land of Israel and the land around us. Cynthia Harriss represents the commitment by Disneyland to the local and global environment," states Jerry Kaufman, president of the JNF Orange County/Long Beach Region. "We are looking forward to a fabulous 'Disney-style' celebration, complete with first-class entertainment, food and ambiance."

Previous regional recipients of the Tree of Life™ award include Laurel Wilkening, former UCI Chancellor; Jack Lindquist, former President of Disneyland; Michael L. Meyer, Michael Meyer Company; Kenneth Leventhal; Henry Segerstrom, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons and Dr. Milton Gordon, President, California State University, Fullerton.

All funds raised from this year's event will go toward alleviating the current water crisis in Israel. JNF has built over 100 dams and reservoirs that combine to add over 26 million gallons to Israel's water economy, increasing the available water resources throughout Israel by more than six percent. Due to the critical demand, JNF has committed to building 100 reservoirs in the next five years.

Ticket prices start at $500 per person. Table sales and major benefactor opportunities are also available. The Jewish National Fund is located at 2900 Bristol, Suite C-104, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 957-4540.

For more information, or to contact Jewish National Fund, see their website at: www.jnf.org