By Daily Press staff
Could you give up Wall Street for the third world? Frederic Roberts did. As an investment banker, and former Chairman of the NASD and NASDAQ, Roberts encountered many wealthy people who seemed to him spiritually bereft. Several years ago, in a dramatic change, Roberts left his comfortable world to embrace a life surrounded by individuals who had no concept of wealth in terms of worldly goods. He found a different richness and dignity. In order to reach many of those people, Roberts had to journey to places where there were no phones, television sets, or even plumbing. In many cases he even had to bring his own food as there would not be enough to feed one more mouth. This is the essence that he has captured and is sharing with the rest of the world.
For the past four years, Roberts has photographed South Asians in some of the areas recently ravaged by the tsunami. While the creation of those photographs preceded that disaster, it is nonetheless a tribute to these people and is coincidentally being released as the world deals with this tragedy in his book, “HUMANITAS.”
The Blue Ribbon and the Fraternity of Friends in February hosted a gallery opening reception and book signing of Roberts’ “HUMANITAS” at the Peter Fetterman Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Complex.
Founded in 1968 by Dorothy Buffum Chandler, The Blue Ribbon is comprised of more than 625 women who champion the performing arts. Founded in 1978, the Fraternity of Friends is a group of businessmen and entertainment industry executives whose combined membership and support of the Music Center Spotlight Awards program contributes more than $1 million annually to the Music Center. New tax law having little effect on car donations
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 24, 2005. Read the original PDF.