The J hosted its annual meeting at The White Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 19, celebrating the opening of its expanded footprint while acknowledging the challenges it’s overcome in the past year due to COVID-19.
This year’s meeting theme was about welcoming The J’s members back and welcoming them home after a year of uncertainty.
Outgoing Chair of the Board Shanny Morgenstern and others reflected on her time as board chair of The J, which included navigating the organization along with President and CEO Jim Sluyter through an unprecedented pandemic as well as the highlight of opening a 34,000 square foot expansion, which has created new program opportunities for community members of all ages.
Morgenstern was presented with a custom hamsa created by artist Susanne Baca, whose art is displayed throughout the expanded J as a thank you for her leadership and dedication over the past two years.
Sluyter acknowledged outstanding programs from the past year, including the Program of Excellence, “Something Rotten,” at The White Theatre, which was enjoyed by members of The J in Kansas City as well as other JCCs across the United States through a virtual viewing option. The Hesed Award was presented to the Heritage Center’s Shabbat Meals, which provided drive-up meals to community members during the pandemic.
Merna Siegler, who has been part of The J since 1953, was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Member Award. As part of the night, Sielger’s family announced a $75,000 matching grant challenge to provide funding to The J’s summer camp program.
During the meeting portion of the evening, Diane Azorsky was elected as the new chair of the board for the next two years. She reflected on the path that she has taken that led her to the position today.
In addition to electing a new board, three new board members were approved. Rachel Rubin and Stephen Feinstein were approved for a three-year term, while Ben Hake was approved for a two-year term.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live music interludes. Kansas City SuperStar contestant Bryson Kendall welcomed the crowd by singing “Home” by Michael Buble, and later returned to the stage to sing “Rainbow Connection.”
Ailia Ford, who played “Annie” in this summer’s musical at The White Theatre, closed out the evening by performing “Tomorrow.”
