Board members meeting has a unique twist

The Jewish Alliance board of directors began the year with aunique meeting hosted by new board chair Mitzi Berkelhammer on Sept. 8. By the end of the evening, the group had raised $181,000 to kickstart the Alliance Annual Campaign. More important, the directors had increased their gifts by 7 percent to date in order to ensure the vitality of the critical programs and services supported by the campaign.

Alan and Marianne Litwin spoke to the board about their recent experience on the Jewish Alliance mission to Budapest and Berlin. They explained how they were able to see, firsthand, the important programs funded overseas.   

Neal Drobnis and Patty Harwood from Jewish Family Service, also spoke about the Kosher Nutrition Program, including the Senior Cafe and Meals on Wheels, which is almost solely funded by the Jewish Alliance. They emphasized how much joy and meaning the weekly meals bring to participants, many of whom are homebound.

The seniors come together to celebrate holidays, birthdays and memories during the meals, creating a very special sense of community. Both presentations illustrated how lives are impacted both locally and abroad by donations to the Jewish Alliance, which raises about $3.2 million every year for the Annual Campaign.

After the presentations, the board members paired up and solicited each other by sharing their own Jewish experiences. Susan Froehlich and Jamie Pious, co-chairs of the annual campaign, remarked that “the board stepped up to the plate tonight, setting an example and accelerating the campaign by kicking it off with a bang.”

Rabbi Joshua Elkin, special guest speaker, concluded the meeting by noting that the atmosphere of the evening was innovative and inspirational. He was impressed to witness leadership tell their stories and show their passion. Board member Rob Sherwin remarked that the event made him “proud to be part of the Jewish Alliance family”.

For more information about the campaign or to make a donation, please contact Trine Lustig, vice president of philanthropy at 401-421-4111, ext. 223, or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.