GALA
“There is a light in this world- a healing spirit- that emerges through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call, and answer in extraordinary ways.”
In the spirit of these powerful words, on Sunday, October 14, 2007, JFS celebrated 2007 Evening of Valor at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs hotel. The 2007 Evening of Valor’s theme had two primary goals; to pay tribute to extraordinary people who have made a powerful difference in our community and to honor a special agency that has enriched the lives of thousands of people. A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the George Wolly Community Leadership Award to Patti Ambinder and Patty DeYoung for their commitment, dedication and volunteerism to the community.
This is the major fundraiser of the year for JFS, now in its 29th year of providing critical services to more than 12,000 people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them meet the challenges of daily life. Funds raised from the evening will benefit the Pearlman Food Pantry and the various critical programs of the agency.
For more information on volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, please call 407-644-7593 x241.
Pictured below (first photo); Madeline Wolly, center, presents the 2007 George Wolly Community Leadership Award to Patty DeYoung (left) and Patty Ambinder (right).
ANNUAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
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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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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 holiday season by providing them with the ability to have gifts for their children and food for their holiday meals. Open your heart to individuals and families whose holiday celebration will be sparse this year. No gifts for the children. No holiday meals. No joy. Get Caught Caring!
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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 agencies throughout the nation to hold local 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 asks local businesses and synagogues to hold food drives.
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CENTERPIECES FOR TZEDAKAH
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. -
FRIENDS CAMPAIGN
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.
