Celebration of Life: Reflections
Celebration of Life: Reflections 2011
Honoring the Spirit of Philanthropy, Planning for the Future
On Sunday, September 18, the Jewish Home hosted its annual gala and premier fundraising event, Celebration of Life: Reflections 2011. Held at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the evening brought the community together to honor the spirit of philanthropy that makes the Home's life-enhancing programs possible.
This year, the Jewish Home honored Eleanore and Harold Foonberg with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Barbara and Arnold Price with the Humanitarian Award. Both couples have a long relationship with the Home through their support group involvement, board service, and financial commitment.
The leadership of the event's co-chairs — Marilyn and Monty Hall, Judith and Louis Miller, and Lillian and Stuart Raffel —resulted in a very successful evening, with approximately 450 friends of the Home in attendance and nearly $600,000 raised. To experience the flavor of the evening, view the event tribute journal.
In addition to honoring the Foonbergs and Prices and the ninety-nine years of caring the Jewish Home has provided for the community, Reflections was also an opportunity to look into the Home's future. In a video presentation which included interviews with some of the vibrant residents of the Home, and in her comments to the audience, Molly Forrest highlighted exciting new programs and services and the Home's goal to serve 5,000 annually in the next five years. Centennial committee chair Annette Shapiro kicked off the Home's 2012 Centennial celebration with an announcement of upcoming events to mark the Home's 100th year of service.
Over twenty residents of the Jewish Home, some who were featured in the video presentation, were warmly acknowledged by the audience. Also honored were some of the Home's fifteen employees who are celebrating their 20th year as part of the Home's family. As emcee, former NBA player and Lakers color commentator Keith Erickson kept the evening flowing smoothly. Frank Sinatra, Jr. and his 8-piece band entertained the audience with familiar tunes sung in characteristic Sinatra style.
Celebration of Life: Reflections 2011 was a wonderful opportunity to honor the Home's generous supporters, celebrate its ninety-nine year history of caring for our residents — body, mind, and spirit — and looking toward the future.