Russ Freeman

A native of Nashville who relocated to Los Angeles many years ago, Russ and The Rippingtons helped define and redefine the musical standards in “Smooth Jazz”. As the leader, songwriter, musician and producer of the group, Russ Freeman is a true icon and the recipient of the Oasis Smooth Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award. While The Rippingtons are one of Smooth Jazz’s most commercially successful bands, Russ continues pushing the stylistic envelope to reach new and dynamic limits each time he writes and performs. He has long understood how the arts can inspire audiences and powerfully impact physically and psychologically disabled young people. Through a connection with the National Association for Music Therapy, Russ has formalized his efforts with a continuing series of Music Clinic programs throughout the country when and where possible. The HARC Foundation salutes Russ Freeman for his recognition of the healing power of the arts and for his efforts, together with The Rippingtons, to use that power by helping abused and neglected children and is delighted to honor him for his special contributions to the Arts and the Community.

Susan Clark

A native of Canada who also resides in Los Angeles, Susan has earned critical praise and fame throughout the years as a theatrical, film and television actress. She received an Emmy as Best Actress for her portrayal of Olympic gold medalist and golfer Babe Didrickson Zaharias in the television movie “Babe”. On stage, she has appeared in plays from “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Mary of Scotland”, “The Glass Menagerie to “The Importance of Being Ernest”. Under contract to Universal Studios, Susan appeared in more than 20 feature films. Along with her husband, Alex Karras, she starred in 150 episodes of the long running television series “Webster”. She has also produced numerous works together with her husband through their own production company. Susan works actively for environmental and social justice issues and is a recipient of the “Women For” Achievement Award, the B’nai B’rith Women’s “Dove of Peace”, the National Women’s Political Caucus Bread and Roses Award and the United Nation’s Ralph Bunche Peace Award. She has also been honored by Physicians for Social Responsibility for her work in protecting the environment and by CARECEN for her work for social justice. The HARC Foundation is honored to recognize Susan Clark for her outstanding contributions to the Arts and to the Community.