ARC’s signature event is its annual Artists for Africa benefit, which has raised over $1 million during the past two decades to support grassroots community development projects and conservation in East African rainforests. In addition to auctioning fine art by a select group of artists whose work embodies the spirit and beauty of Africa, a unique aspect of the event is bestowing the name of a newly discovered species from the rainforest of Tanzania on someone who has made a significant contribution to advancing ARC’s mission. Past recipients of the New Species Award include actors Harrison Ford and James Gandolfini, eco-activist Gloria Flora, carbon credit pioneer Dorjee Sun, and NASA’s top climate scientist Dr. James Hansen.