Jewish Family Service of Metrowest Turns 25; Gala Celebration a Success
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, a non-profit social service agency based in Framingham, Massachusetts, celebrated its 25th anniversary at the "Seas the Dream" gala fundraiser on May 2, 2004.
(PRWEB) May 15, 2004
The 14th annual "Seas the Dream" gala on May 2, 2004 celebrated the silver anniversary of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, a non-profit social service agency that has been strengthening lives and building community in the Metrowest area of Massachusetts since 1979. Board president Kathy Anbinder welcomed an overflow of guests, including many long-term supporters as well as newer champions, all of whom are supporting the agencyÂ’s bright future.
Standing before nearly 500 guests, Marie Cohen recalled how her "heart was captured" when she began helping a kindergartener learn to read, and was inspired to increase her involvement with JFS/MW. "I have been so lucky to have crossed paths with so many of you from the JFS/MW family...from yoga classes, to the Executive Committee--what an incredible group!--to work groups like the Diversity Commitee...I really enjoy my time here."
"A connection of resources, heart, spirit and mind," Stewart Cohen told the guests, helps him and his wife to fulfill their desire "to help those less fortunate, make efforts to right what is wrong, and join with others to do whatever we can to support a just, good, and nurturing community." He continued, "I have been incredibly fortunate along the way to meet, engage with, be informed by, and be inspired by some wonderful people: philanthropic champions who have contributed much to make this world and our community a better place."
"There is a righteous soul to this agency," said Victor Nussbaum, as he told the emotional story of his father Eli's declining health and the care he received from the JFS/MW elder services team. The staff at JFS "helped my father to retain dignity in life."
Executive director Marc Jacobs referred to posters hung from the ceiling that bore the photos and stories of children, youth, and elders striving to overcome vulnerability, poverty, and loneliness. "Theirs are JFS/MW's every day stories," Jacobs said. "They are the reasons why our talented and committed staff always goes way beyond their job descriptions to meet clients' needs."
A sold-out crowd packed the Framingham Sheraton hotel ballroom, and lit up the dance floor as Studio C played upbeat favorites. Dozens of chefs from local establishments brought gourmet selections in a generous show of community support.
Barry Shrage, President of Combined Jewish Philanthropies, introduced Marie and Stewart Cohen and spoke of how their efforts had impacted the community. Shrage lauded how the Cohens and Jewish Family Service represent all that is worthy and possible in our values and traditions. Jewish Family Service of Metrowest is an affiliate agency of Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
Anbinder recognized Marie CohenÂ’s important role as a member of the agencyÂ’s Executive Committee leadership team, and remarked that Marie has earned the deep respect of Board, staff and community members. Anbinder added that StewartÂ’s "relentless enthusiasm" is brought to each and every aspect of his philanthropic activities.
Praising the Cohens' communal involvement, Jacobs said that, if more people could be inspired to bring their energy and spirit to JFS/MW's work, it "would truly honor Marie and Stewart."