Jewish Family Services (JFS) will conclude its 120th anniversary activities with a celebration on Thursday, Aug. 24, in the newly renovated Marriott Overland Park, 10800 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210.
The celebration will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the entire community is invited to attend the evening that will include cocktails, dinner, a live auction and donated musical entertainment by the Jewbie Brothers. Those attending will have the opportunity to support and honor JFS’ work.
“Due to overwhelming interest from the community, we've moved our event to a bigger space so even more of our JFS family and friends can be a part of this celebration,” said Debbie Bass, JFS’ chief development officer. “We didn’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to celebrate this community milestone.”
Presenting sponsors for the celebration are the Berkley family and Linda and Mike Lyon. Reservations for the JFS Celebration may be made online at onecau.se/jfs120celebration. Those interested in sponsoring the evening can contact Taly Friedman at .
During the evening festivities, JFS Executive Director and CEO Don Goldman will be honored with the Dr. Phyliss and Robert A. Bernstein Humanitarian Award. Goldman has led JFS for 16 years and will be retiring from the agency this fall. Sandi Fried, a former JFS board president and member of one of the 120th anniversary honorary families, will receive the Alfred Benjamin Friend of the Family Award for her efforts on behalf of the agency.
Brenda Althouse and Paul Fingersh, and Amy and Peter Shapiro have co-chaired the celebration committee.
"It's been a labor of love working on the celebration," Althouse said. “The fantastic response for JFS' 120th anniversary demonstrates the community’s gratitude for the last 120 years, and steadfast support going forward. It’s exciting to celebrate the great work of JFS while raising funds to ensure the next 120 years."
Rachel Krantz and Edward Goldstein are the 120th anniversary Hall of Fame co-chairs. This Hall of Fame recognizes legacy donors, past board presidents, past executive directors, lifetime cumulative donors of more than $50,000 and special friends.
The celebration committee includes Barbara and Richard Atlas, Mollie and Michael Berenbom, Lena Price and Tom Cohen, Sandi and Ed Fried, Rhonda and Jeff Fromm, Kristen and Dan Fromm, Sarah and Hayden Galler, Marla Brockman and John Goldberg, Susan and Paul Himmelstein, Liz and John Hjalmarson, Ro and Howard Jacobson, Regina and Bill Kort, Courtney Landy and Scott Ogilvie, Linda and Mike Lyon, Alice Megerman, Bailey and Josh Nakelsky, Brett Parker, Janice Pinson, Carol and Dave Porter, Ellen and Irv Robinson, Noah Slabotsky, Kelly and Dan Somberg, Jo and Jason Taylor and Debbie and Steve Trenton.
The sponsorship committee includes Jane Sosland (chair), Alice Jacks Achtenberg, Janice Benjamin, Michelle Cole, Ron Fredman, Sandi Fried, Debra Goldstein, Katie McGurk, Lara Krigel Pabst.
The Auction Committee includes Michelle Cole (chair) and Debra Goldstein.
JFS have the Kriegel, Regnier, Sosland and White-Fried families as honorary families for the 120th anniversary.
Because of JFS supporters and staff, JFS has provided critical human services for six generations for people of all faiths, ages, cultures, and identities who are facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis.
“JFS has continually reinvented itself so that it is as relevant today as it was 120 years ago. I am excited to celebrate this remarkable achievement with the whole community, including our generous donors, dedicated volunteers and talented staff,” Goldman said.
More details and highlights of JFS’ 120-year history are available at jfskc.org/120.
