Friday, 27 July 2012

Rebekah Harkness & Dr. Benjamin H. Kean


Rebekah Harkness (April 17, 1915–June 17, 1982) also known as Betty Harkness, was an American composer, sculptor, dance patron, and philanthropist who founded the Harkness Ballet. Her marriage to William Hale "Bill" Harkness, an attorney and heir to the Standard Oil fortune of William L. Harkness, made her one of the wealthiest women in America. After Harlness death she become one of the wealthiest women of America. Later she married the famous Physician  Dr.  Benjamin H. Kean in 1961.
Dr. Kean and Mrs. Kean had briefly met Shri Nathji  at the house of Shri R.L. Tuli at New Delhi in 1963. So When Shri Nathji came to America Dr, Kean called Priya Nathji  and said “Tell your father, Welcome to America!” He invited Shri Nathji to their holiday home on Watch Hill, Rode Island, Connecticut. At their house Mrs. Kean received Shri Nathji with great respect. She gave His place at the head of the table and served Shri Nathji with her own hands and later removed the plates, though there were servants attending other guests.  Shri Nathji was greatly pleased by the ladies humility.  So Shri Nathji as God was not impressed by her great wealth, outstanding beauty or her skills in music and dance, but by her act of humility. She Nathji stayed at their house for three days.
After meeting with Shri Nathji in June 1963, Rebecca becaome more interested in art, beauty and music which is only natural after seeing Shri NAthji who is the epitome of beauty and magnificence.
Harkness became well known as a philanthropist and patron of the arts. She created a dance empire that included the 40-member Harkness Ballet, a ballet school and home for the company called Harkness House, and a refurbished 1,250-seat theater, which presented the Harkness Ballet as well as other dance companies to New York audiences. Through her Rebekah Harkness Foundation, she sponsored the Robert Joffrey Ballet and Jerome Robbins. Through the William Hale Harkness Foundation, she sponsored construction of a medical research building at the New York Hospital and supported a number of medical research projects.

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