2009 Evening of Valor
On Sunday, October 25, more than 300 guests celebrated Jewish Family Services’ Evening of Valor at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary hotel, paying tribute to people who have made a powerful difference in our community and honoring a special agency that has enriched the lives of thousands of people.
Guests enjoyed the evening by dining on delicious hors d’oeuvres and a scrumptious dinner, bidding on silent auction items that included jewelry, trips and artwork by well-known artists and enjoying the evening with friends. Welcoming our guests was special Honorary Chair, Nick Anderson, former NBA player for the Orlando Magic, which fitted into the evening’s theme of The Magic of Family.
Latrice McKinley, a client who recently completed JFS’ six-month Family Stabilization Program (FSP), gave her testimonial at the event. The crowd was moved to tears with her story of hope and gratitude for the new life she is living because of JFS. Despite her hardships, Latrice stated that she considers herself blessed to have been given the tools to succeed through the FSP program.
The evening was highlighted with the presentation of the George Wolly Community Leadership Award by Madeline Wolly to Harvey Massey and Stan Shader, for their dedication and volunteerism to the community. Both honorees delivered humorous and heartwarming speeches and Stan even sang a tune…it was that kind of event.
Marty Sherman, president of JFS, drew the winning ticket for Dining Around Town, a very popular package of 13 spectacular $100 restaurant gift cards. Hal Kantor was this year’s lucky recipient and was quoted as saying, "Wow - I'm very happy - the last time I won something was when I was 6 years old! And to help JFS makes it all worthwhile."
This year’s Evening of Valor, which is JFS’ major fundraiser for the year, raised more than $230,000…important dollars to help JFS maintain the highest level of care for all people in our community.
Stan Shader
Harvey Massey
Nick Anderson
Pictured below are photos from this year's Evening of Valor (captions are left to right)):
- Stan Shader (left) with Boardmember and presenter Madeline Wolly and Harvey Massey
- FSP client Latrice McKinley gives a heartwarming testimonial
- Executive Director Barry Kudlowitz, Honorary Chair Nick Anderson and Board President Martin Sherman
- Committee chairs - Gayle Zamore and Linda Arost
- Director of Development Es Cohen surprised to receive flowers from the Board President and overwhelmed by success of the event
- Shelley Lake and Harriett Lake
ANNUAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
- GET CAUGHT CARING
Get Caught Caring is a JFS Mitzvah Project, helping families and children in our local community who are facing financial, health or other challenges during the winter holiday season by providing them with the ability to have gifts for their children and food for their holiday meals. As part of our online campaign, you can purchase a gingerbread man to help supply a family with gifts, food and joy. Decide your level of giving and click on the Donate Now button below.
$15 $50 $100 $200
Holiday Meal Holiday Gifts Holiday Dinner Dinner & Gifts
for 1 person for 2 children for a family of 6 for a family of 5
Get Caught Caring!
- KINDER TO KINDER
The goal of JFS’ Kinder-to-Kinder program is aimed at giving the youth of our community an opportunity to give back to other children, while at the same time teaching the spirit of volunteerism and community service. The Kinder-to-Kinder program is an interfaith holiday program for children. For the past several years, Kinder-to-Kinder visited the children at the Crisis Nursery, a facility that provides a safe and home-like environment for children ages 2 months through 11 years old. Children have been placed in the nursery for a variety of reasons including substance abuse, families dealing with domestic violence and homelessness.
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SCHOOL MATTERS
School Matters is a JFS school supply drive, ensuring less fortunate elementary to high school-age students have the needed materials to succeed in school. At JFS, school matters, and that's why we want every child who comes through the doors at JFS to have the right tools.
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FEINSTEIN $1,000,000 CHALLENGE
Allen Shawn Feinstein, a philanthropist from Rhode Island, can't believe we have hungry people in our country. In 1998, he began his challenge…encouraging food pantries throughout the nation to hold food drives to help combat hunger. In return, participating agencies receive a percentage of the $1,000,000, in proportion of the total amount raised by all participants. Annually, during the months of March and April, JFS collects canned and non-perishable goods, accepts cash and partners with local businesses and synagogues to hold food drives. Last year JFS' pantries provided food for nearly 100,000 meals to those in need in our community.For more information on conducting a food drive with your company or organization please contact JFS at 407-644-7593, ext. 241.
Centerpieces for Tzedakah is a program that provides beautifully decorated centerpiece baskets that are available for rent for special occasions from Jewish Family Services. Gorgeous baskets are filled with a representation of assorted packages of food items. They are attractively wrapped in clear cellophane and decorated. These baskets are ideally sized for centerpieces and will be delivered directly to your party. Coordinated centerpieces, specifically designed for buffet tables and the bimah at your synagogues, are also available for rental.
These unique centerpieces provide a wonderful opportunity for your family to give “tzedakah”, or donation, as you celebrate your special event. Funds raised through the rental of the baskets will be used to purchase food for those in need and stock our Pearlman Pantry.
For more information and to reserve your centerpieces, call Terry Nebel at 407-644-7593.
During the months of May and June, Jewish Family Services initiates its annual Friends Campaign. This annual fundraiser is one of the primary funding sources necessary to operate JFS’ vital programs and services. As the needs and the costs of services continues to rise, the Friends Campaign donations help support the day-to-day bills, maintain vital programs and services while helping to feed the hungry, care for young and old and more.
The support of the Friends Campaign by the community is critical to the success of JFS’ quality programs and services for individuals, children and families. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, people in the greater Orlando area turn to JFS for help in overcoming those troubles.
