(Courtesy of JFS of Central New Jersey) The Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey (JFSCNJ) Gala Dinner Dance will be held Tuesday evening, December 11 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The dinner is the main fundraising event that benefits the agency’s work on behalf of the community.
Longtime JFS board member and community leader Eric Harvitt, of Warren, will receive the coveted Lilly K. Gottlieb Award, named after Eric’s late aunt and former JFSCNJ president. In addition to his involvement with JFSCNJ, Harvitt is a principal in Landmark Companies, and serves as a vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. Harvitt is married to Patty and they are the proud parents of Benjamin, Jacob and Samantha.
Karen Ross Kerstein, a JFSCNJ supporter, is the manager and owner of Menorah Chapels in Millburn. A resident of Springfield, she has served on the board of directors of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael and is involved in numerous Jewish communal activities in and around the Union County Jewish community including the YM/YWHA and Jewish Vocational Services. Kerstein and her husband Gary have two children, Eric and Elyssa. She will receive the JFSCNJ Miriam S. Karch Award.
Lani and Daniel Krausz, of Springfield, will receive the Ruth Bilenker Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Daniel a JFSCNJ board member, a partner in Blue Door Asset Management in Connecticut, is involved in the JFS Charlotte Shak Food Pantry and is an active contributor. Lani is the director of early childhood at the Jewish Educational Center (JEC), in Elizabeth. Lani and Daniel are members of Congregation Israel and are the proud parents of four children: Avigayil, Joey, Kivi and Ariel.
Sergio Granados, chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, will receive the Community Service Award for his work in overseeing wide ranging improvements in transportation and economic development, services for seniors and veterans; education; and park and environmental programs. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is responsible for their support of Kosher Meals on Wheels, home health aide, nursing, social work, respite, caregiver support, transportation, the Urban Community Garden and the Friendly Visitor Program.
Many of the vital programs serving seniors have received generous funding over the years from The Fred C. Rummel Foundation. This Westfield based foundation was established in 1997 by way of thanks under the last will and testament of Rummel’s widow, Mae I. Rummel. In addition to funding programs at Jewish Family Service, the foundation awards grants to nonprofits to assist the economically challenged, the mentally and/or physically challenged, children and seniors. Robert W. Cockren, trustee of the Fred C. Rummel Foundation, will accept the Community Partner Award on behalf of the foundation.
The evenings’ couvert is $190 per person. The cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. glatt kashrut will be observed.
The event will feature a film by Elie Gabor. Door prizes spearheaded by JFSCNJ board member and past president, Jennifer Marshall Sofield, and board member Mark Ginsberg.
You may submit ads and reservations online: JFSCentralNJ.org/dinner, or contacting us at [email protected], or call the JFS office at (908) 352-8375.
