The Durst Organization, Virgin Galactic and the “First Artist In Space” Laurance Rassin Team Up to Raise Awareness for Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) on the 24th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Meltdown at Conde Nast Tower in NYC
NEW YORK, April 22nd, 2010 (Earth Day)- The Durst Organization, Valerie Wilson Travel, Virgin Galactic and New York artist Laurance Rassin are teaming up to introduce the “Simply Blue” art installation at the Conde Nast Tower with a cocktail reception with the artist at 4 Times Square lobby on May 6th at 6p.m. Proceeds from the month-long exhibit will support the on-going work of Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) marking the 24th Anniversary of the tragedy. CCOC is the only organization in the world that permanently evacuates children from the devastated region of Chernobyl in Ukraine. April 26th 2010 marks 24th Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
For almost 20 years, CCOC (www.ccoc.net) has made its mission to evacuate children from the region, to date, 2,690 children have been evacuated and the organization has just completed its 90th flight to safety on April 8th. Board Member Nancy Spielberg who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the cause, states "we are thrilled to partner once again with the Durst Organization-- our dear friends and supporters-- and the immensely talented artist, Laurance Rassin. It is imperative that we continue rescuing these children from the poisonous environment they are continuously exposed to. We hope that through Rassin's magnificent creations and Durst's continuous generosity, will we further our mission to rescue all the children." Ms. Speilberg’s contribution has attracted such luminaries as Stephen Spielberg, Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Jon Voight, James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Judge Judy and Elie Tahari who have all lent their support to the charity.
On April 26, 1986 Chernobyl nuclear reactor four exploded, the result of a test gone dreadfully wrong. That moment marked the worst nuclear radiation the world has yet encountered and the fallout has been felt across Europe and parts of North America. As the children of the Chernobyl region began to mature, the
affects of the radiation became increasingly apparent.
By 1990, Chernobyl reached epidemic proportions. The earth, air and water cycled radioactivity through every part of the Chernobyl ecosystem; food, drinking water, and oxygen were and continue to be radioactive vehicles forcing its way into the bodies of innocent children. This same year, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, stood up for the children who could neither physically nor financially stand for themselves. He called upon a group of his students to establish Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl (CCOC).
This group united in one paramount goal— to rescue the children of Chernobyl, bring them to Israel permanently, and to care for them fully once they began their new chapters of life. CCOC also helps those who cannot leave by airlifting medicine, medical equipment, therapeutic aids, and other needed items into the contaminated areas to help those who remain there. Additionally, CCOC has trained local physicians to specialize in radiation-induced illnesses and has built a mammography clinic to help combat the artificially high rates of breast cancer in the area.
The “Simply Blue” exhibit will be on display from April 29th- June 4th, featuring Laurance Rassin’s original works to benefit CCOC. This marks the first solo exhibition by Laurance Rassin, artistic director of the New Blue Riders, a contemporary group of neo-Expressionist artists.
"The work of Laurance Rassin continues along the historical lines of fine art painters working in figurative studies in ceramic and bronze set forth in the tradition of artists such as Bouthaud, Raoul Dufy and Picasso," said Frank Maraschiello, Vice President/Director Bonhams & Butterfields New York Fine Art Auctioneers.
Those interested in learning more about Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) and how they can help can visit www.ccoc.net.
About Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC)
Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) is a not-for-profit organization that evacuates children who suffer from many medical maladies as a result of the nuclear reactor explosion in Chernobyl. CCOC provides them with critical medical care, new homes, and an excellent education. To date, 2,690 children have been evacuated on 90 rescue missions.
About The Durst Organization
The Durst Organization, founded in 1915 by Joseph Durst, is the owner, manager and builder of 9 million square feet of premiere mid-town Manhattan office and residential properties. The Organization is recognized as a world leader in the development of high-performance and environmentally advanced commercial and residential property. See www.durst.org for more on The Durst Organization.
About Laurance Rassin
Laurance Rassin, New York artist and artistic director of The New Blue Riders, continues to create a sumptuous and color filled world, enveloping his audience in signature large scale impasto oil paintings, bronze sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, and textiles in his unique style. Weaving an over-arching narrative, Laurance interjects humor to his whimsical characters and interior scenes allowing his fictional almost cinematic stories to unfold. His work is featured regularly at Bonhams & Butterfields, 20th Century in Manhattan. See www.thenewblueriders.com/laurance/ for more on Rassin. Laurance would like to thank his sponsors: Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc., Virgin Galactic, The NASTAR Center, Supima, 3ality Digital, Duggal, Broncolor.
Media Contact:For more information, please contact: Rachel Fertel, Special Events Coordinator at Chabad's Children of Chernobyl, 675 Third Avenue, Suite 3210 New York, NY 10017, (212) 681-7800 or rfertel@ccoc.net.