News/Events

The CoRAL Network is honored to be a
recipient of the 2004 Friendship Archway Awards.

Contact:  Cristina Benitez
For Release:  November 15, 2004

In ancient times, archways were erected in Asia to publicly recognize a major contribution to society.  It was a supreme honor, given to individuals who had served their community well.  Through the ages, archways were built in different colors and sizes, symbolizing different levels of service.  To be worthy of an arch was the aspiration of anyone who dreamt of success. Washington D.C.'s Friendship Archway is the largest single-span Chinese archway in the world. It is a strong visual image reflecting traditional Asian value of friendship combined with western technology.  Erected in 1986 in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. at 7^th and H streets N.W., the archway symbolizes not only the friendship between the "sister cities" of Beijing and D.C., but it also symbolizes the spirit of joy and friendship among  people of diverse backgrounds.

The Friendship Archway Hall of Fame Awards,  created in 1997 and co-sponsored by Allies Building Community Inc. (A.B.C.) and Award International Inc. annually, is associated with outstanding community service, personal achievements and contributions.   The 2004 Friendship Archway Awards were presented by Allies Building Community Inc. (A.B.C.) and The Chinatown Steering Committee (the Chinatown leadership committee in downtown Wash. D.C.).  The award ceremony and dinner was held in Washington D.C. near the Friendship Archway monument at Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant on Tuesday evening, 6:30PM, November 9, 2004. The Archway Awards were designed by Amerasia T. Liu with frames and input provided by Ruth Wong.  The Friendship Archway leads to a new spirit in human development, both the individual and community.  It leads to a holistic "archway" approach to achieving the greatest fulfillment of human potential and aspirations for a better future for all. It is an alternative approach to world peace, prosperity and progress.

The CoRAL Network is honored to be a 2004 recipient of the Friendship Archway Awards. CoRAL Board President and Georgetown Professor, Dr. Sam Marullo, and CoRAL's Executive Director, Elizabeth Shrader, were honored to accept the 2004 Friendship Archway Award on behalf of the CoRAL Network.  The award was presented to The CoRAL Network in appreciation of the kindness, compassion, generosity, dedication to promoting social justice and for CoRAL's significant contributions of resources to enhance the quality of life for others in our local community.

For a full listing for 2004 Recipients >> Click here