2018 Event was the Largest and Most Successful to Date
The Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches (JWF) hosted its “Imagine the Possibilities” annual luncheon on Dec. 12 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion. Raising over $140,000 and with nearly 300 guests in attendance, the 2018 JWF luncheon was its largest and most successful to date.
Themed “Investing in Women,” this year’s event was co-chaired by Ed Schmidt and Carla Schwartz. Elected officials who attended the luncheon included West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio and Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg. Event sponsors included Eddie & Ozzie’s Table 26, U.S. Private Wealth Management, BDO, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Stifel, The ECJ Wealth Advisory Group, Fiduciary Trust International and Northern Trust.
Representatives from agencies that JWF supports and funds whom were at the event include The Lord’s Place, Inc.; Women’s Foundation of Florida, AVDA and KidSafe Foundation. Other current grantees are CodeArt, Women’s Foundation of Florida, Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program, Futures Without Violence, Gender Justice, The Human Trafficking Legal Center, Moving Traditions, She Should Run, Unchained at Last, Yeshivat Maharat, ATZUM – Justice Works, Center for the Advancement of Women in the Public Sphere (WIPS), The Gender Index, Itach Maaki – Women Lawyers for Social Justice, Jewish Agency for Israel, Adva, Alma Pre-Military Training Academy, Kolech, TELEM Educational Program for Gender Equality, New Fund for Cinema and Television (NFCT), Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women, Lawyers of Tomorrow, and Shatil – New Israel Fund.
Prior to the luncheon, guests enjoyed boutique shopping from women-owned business vendors Danielle Ortiz, 3 Girls Gifts, Lema J Design and TO THE MARKET. A portion of proceeds from the vendors’ sold items were donated to JWF.
As the event began, JWF President Cynthia Brown gave introductions, Cantor David Feuer said the prayers over the bread, and JWF Acting Executive Director Jennifer Kryshka provided an overview of the organization.
Speakers leading up to the Eileen Berman Leadership Award presentation included high School seniors Mia Evans and Brandon Garadi, participants from No Small Change, who spoke about how the Jewish Teen program helps educate them on strategic grantmaking. Schmidt then spoke about his involvement in the organization and the importance of giving back in his community.
JWF Founding Chair Eileen Berman introduced the luncheon honoree and Founding Trustee Paula Lustbader, and shared a story about her philanthropic career. Lustbader gave a moving speech after she received her award.
Jane Mosbacher Morris, founder and CEO of TO THE MARKET - a company that connects businesses and consumers to ethically made products from around the world - delivered the keynote presentation. She spoke about how women can change the world through their purchasing power by making micro-changes in their spending, like buying fair trade certified chocolate or gifts that give back. She also spoke about the importance of Investing in Women, the luncheon’s theme, and the benefits that women bring to the companies at which they work.
All attendees will receive a signed copy of Jane’s book “Buy the Change You Want to See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place,” when it comes out in January 2019.
Guests enjoyed a plated lunch and refreshments during the event.
“This year’s luncheon was a spectacular success,” said Kryshka. “We were pleased to host wonderful speakers, bestow Paula Lustbader with the prestigious Honoree Award, enjoy a delicious lunch, and more - all while raising funds which will benefit the many causes we support.”
JWF’s mission is to advance the status of women and girls in the U.S. and Israel through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and education, and leadership development programs to create long-lasting social change.
About Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches
Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches (JWF) works to advance the status of women and girls in the U.S. and Israel through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and education, and leadership development programs to create long-lasting social change. JWF is an inclusive organization open to anyone who supports the mission and values. For more information, visit www.jwfpalmbeach.org, call (561) 275-2200 or email info@jwfpalmbeach.org.
