On January 24, the Anti-Defamation League (“ADL”) awarded Michael Forman and the firm he founded, FS Investments, with the 41st annual Americanism Award at its annual ceremony, “The Good Fight.” The award recognizes leaders in business, community affairs and charitable endeavors who have distinguished themselves and their organizations through their dedication to preserving liberty and advancing the causes of human rights, dignity, diversity and equal opportunity.
ADL Regional Director Nancy K. Baron-Baer stated:
“ADL ‘Fights the Good Fight’ against hate every day, but we cannot do it without our allies and supporters. Michael Forman and FS Investments are true leaders in this work. Michael’s generosity and dedication to this event will allow us to continue challenging bigotry through education, advocacy, law enforcement training and much more.
“In these turbulent times, we take heart in knowing that there are leaders like Michael working to create a society that promotes inclusion and respect. We at ADL work toward this goal every day. We ‘Fight the Good Fight’ against hate, and with the help of supporters like Michael Forman and FS Investments, we will win.”
The Good Fight was the first public event to be held at the Fitler Club, a new Center City club with a focus on diversity, inclusion and philanthropy. The event was completely sold out with nearly 600 guests in attendance, including some of the region’s top corporate executives, and community leaders and elected officials.
The event raised nearly $1.2 million to support ADL’s efforts to combat all forms of bigotry. The program included a live auction and remarks from Nancy K. Baron-Baer, Michael Forman and David Robinson, the NBA legend who co-founded Admiral Capital Group, an investor in the Fitler Club.
“I am grateful to Michael and the ADL for including me and am extremely impressed with their work on this remarkably successful event,” said Mr. Robinson. “Their commitment to Philadelphia, its history and its future inspires me and makes me even prouder to be a new member of the community.”
In his remarks, Mr. Forman thanked ADL for its great work and the many hosts who helped make the event one of the most successful in ADL history.
“At FS Investments, we know Philadelphia’s well-being is central to our success, which is why we are committed to growing in and giving back to our community,” said Mr. Forman. “It’s also why, at a time of change in Philadelphia and across the country, we are finding new ways to stand up to hate and stand up for values like civility and inclusivity and the institutions like ADL that protect them.”
For four decades, ADL has bestowed the Americanism Award upon business executives and companies who have been leaders in combating hate and promoting inclusivity. Recent honorees include Rob Wonderling and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (2017), Michael Heller and Cozen O’Connor (2016), S.A. Ibrahim and Radian Group (2015), Amy Gutmann and the University of Pennsylvania (2014), Michael Carbone and TD Bank (2013), and Rosemary Turner and UPS (2012).
About ADL
ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of bigotry, its timeless mission is to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of bigotry occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.
About FS Investments
FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth, and focuses on setting industry standards for investor protection, education and transparency.
FS Investments is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with offices in New York, NY, Orlando, FL and Washington, DC. Visit http://www.fsinvestments.com to learn more.