Join Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) for an unforgettable evening of joy, gratitude, and inspiration as we come together to celebrate 81 years of service to our community. The JFCS Annual Celebration will take place on Monday, September 15 at 6:30pm at the Katz Jewish Community Center—and you’re invited to be part of this special night.
“Our annual celebration is a heartwarming evening dedicated to the incredible volunteers, lay leaders, and staff who go above and beyond to uplift our community,” said JFCS Board President Margo Orlin. “It’s a special opportunity to come together, show our support, and honor those who bring our mission to life.”
This year’s celebration shines a light on the people and partners who are the heartbeat of JFCS. We’ll honor the following individuals and organizations whose compassion and commitment have made a lasting impact:
- Volunteer of the Year – Susan Shipon
Honoring a devoted volunteer whose generosity and empathy embody the spirit of JFCS, bringing hope and dignity to those we serve. - Ma’akhil Revi’im Lifetime Achievement Award – Jerry Baer
Celebrating a life of service dedicated to feeding those in need, rooted in Jewish values and a deep sense of community responsibility. - Community Partner Award – Judith Nadell & John Langan, The Townsend Foundation
Recognizing visionary partners whose generosity helps strengthen and expand our mission of care and connection. - Beth Wynne Unsung Hero Award – Hilary Platt, Project SARAH Coordinator
Honoring a quiet changemaker whose behind-the-scenes dedication uplifts survivors and strengthens lives every day. - Sondra Berman Memorial Award – Donna Lymper, Geriatric Social Worker
Celebrating a professional whose compassion, service, and integrity make a profound difference for older adults in our care. - Kavod Award – BBYO South Jersey Region
A special honor given in recognition of outstanding leadership and community impact, inspiring respect and admiration across generations.
We will also thank and recognize our dedicated lay leaders for their years of service, including outgoing Board members Margie Dannenbaum, Michele Ettinger, Miriam Feldman, and Terri Teitelbaum; Advisory Council member David Francis-Maurer; and welcome incoming Board members Tina Berman and Jerry Rothkoff, who will be officially installed at the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey’s Annual Meeting on October 29.
Finally, staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries with the agency will be recognized for their years of service: Joyce Almaier and Elizabeth Mekler (five years); Elizabeth Fetzko and Elise Vincoff (ten years); Ronni Trainor (fifteen years); Reva Farenback-Brateman, Pam Litwack, and Karen Marks (twenty years).
The evening kicks off at 6:30pm with a warm, welcoming pre-reception featuring delicious Kosher appetizers and drinks provided by Deluxe Catering. At 7:30pm, we’ll gather for dessert and an uplifting program that celebrates the people who make our mission possible.
The event is free and open to all, thanks to the generosity of our Annual Celebration sponsors: Fox Rothschild LLP, Atrium Financial Associates, Creative Print Group, Deluxe Catering, Rabbi Richard Address – Jewish Sacred Aging, and Jamie Rothstein Distinctive Floral Design. Advance registration is required. To RSVP or purchase a tribute journal ad, please visit https://jfcssnj.org/annualcelebration
Whether you’ve been part of the JFCS family for years or are new to our community, we’d love to welcome you for this inspiring celebration of service, kindness, and shared purpose!
