The Consell Valencià de Cultura has given the Institution's Medal to the Esther Koplowitz Foundation today for its donation of two homes for mentally and physically disabled adults to the city of Valencia and the Foundation's valuable support for scientific research. The award was delivered to the Foundation by the president of the Consell, distinguished scientist Santiago Grisolía.

Foundation Vice President Andrés del Río received the medal on behalf of Esther Koplowitz as her daughters, Esther, Alicia and Carmen, looked on. Esther Koplowitz, who was unable to attend the ceremony, sent her thanks and warmest regards to maestro Santiago Grisolía.

The event was attended by various local authorities and Valencian cultural, economic, scientific and institutional personalities, including Valencia Mayor Rita Barberá, the president of the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Science, Marcelino Oreja, and the president of the FCC Foundation, Rafael Montes.

Through her foundation, Esther Koplowitz has donated two homes for physically and mentally disabled adults to the city of Valencia. The first home, La Nostra Casa, was delivered in 2004 into the City Council's management, and it is equipped with the latest in treatments and therapy for caring for severely physically or intellectually handicapped adults. It has the capacity for 60 full-time residents and 40 recipients of day care. The second, which is currently under development, will be able to handle twice that number of people.

In 2004 Esther Koplowitz was named adoptive daughter of the city of Valencia by its mayor, Rita Barberá. The Esther Koplowitz Foundation works with several institutions, including the Jaime I Foundation.