New York, NY, October 31, 2018 —  The International Rescue Committee announced today that fashion designer and philanthropist Diane Von Furstenberg will receive the Freedom Award and Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, Inc. will receive the John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Award at this year’s Rescue Dinner. The annual dinner is the International Rescue Committee’s signature annual fundraising gala, supporting the organization’s lifesaving humanitarian work around the world.

The evening’s program will celebrate two visionary pillars of the philanthropic community for their pioneering leadership and significant contributions to IRC’s mission, and will feature inspirational stories of courage, resilience and promise from IRC staff and beneficiaries.

“Now, more than ever before we must come together to support the world’s most vulnerable – the 68.5 million who have fled their homes as a result of crisis and conflict,” said David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee. “While the scope and scale of the crisis may be great, we should not lose hope. Every individual, community, company and organization has a part to play. Any action – big or small – has a ripple effect that can change the lives of thousands. It’s why we’re proud to honor both Diane Von Furstenberg and Larry Fink for their significant and positive contributions that allow the IRC to provide life-saving programs across the globe.”

The Freedom Award is presented annually to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in support of refugees, and who have championed the cause of liberty, individual freedom and dignity. This year’s Freedom Award will be presented to Diane von Furstenberg, a legend in the fashion industry, a dedicated philanthropist and an outspoken advocate for vulnerable people.

Larry Fink will receive the John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Award. The award was created in recognition of Mr. Whitehead’s half-century of transformational leadership of the IRC. It is presented annually to individuals who embody Mr. Whitehead’s spirit and passion for humanitarian causes and who have made significant contributions to saving and improving lives around the world. This year, the IRC honors his legacy by presenting the award to Mr. Fink, a global business leader who has been at the forefront of efforts to promote responsible, long-term business practices.

To learn more about the Rescue Dinner please go to: https://www.rescue.org/event/2018-rescue-dinner.