They received the awards together with 23 other people hailing from several Asian countries, Indonesian Consul General in Houston Al Busyra Basnur said in a press statement on Tuesday.
Rima is the CEO of Karmila Design and a founder of Sanggar Lestari. Ben is an activist of the Indonesian Community Heritage Foundation (ICHG) and director of the GAT Photography.
The awards were presented by Li Wong, president director and publisher of GAT at a gala dinner organized in Norcross, Atlanta, Georgia, on July 14, 2011.
Li Wong explained that the candidates of the awards recipients were selected by journalists of GAT. The candidates were Asian-Americans living in Georgia.
The candidates were from various professions, including those engaged in business, education, politics, research, science and technology, arts and culture, justice and the government administration.
The recipients are those considered having made concrete contributions to the people of Georgia.
Benjamin Hioe or known as Ben Hioe, originally from Jakarta, has lived in Atlanta for the past 30 years . Rima McGraw is known as a very active volunteer who has also often helped Indonesians living in Georgia.
Around 300 guests including Al Busrya Basnur, attended the GAT gala dinner.
"The role of Indonesian communities was very important in increasing and strengthening friendship among countries and nations," Al Busyra said.
(Uu.F001/HAJM/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
