SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) raised $1.4 million at its annual Heart & Soul Gala at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine on Saturday, April 30. Postponed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the signature benefit gala highlighted JFS’s efforts to provide resources and support to San Diegans of all ages, faiths and backgrounds, and share stories of success from throughout the year. The event also celebrated the contributions of its 2022 Mitzvah Honorees: former JFS board member Marcia Hazan, and Danielle and Brian Miller of Geppetto’s toy store.
Marcia Hazan
Marcia Hazan served on the JFS Board of Directors for 18 years, generously investing her time and energy into addressing the urgent needs of her fellow San Diegans. Hazan was instrumental in expanding JFS programs for Jewish single parents, creating transportation programs for older adults, and launching the region’s first Guaranteed Income Project in partnership with San Diego for Every Child. She served on the many JFS committees that support and address mental health awareness, envisioned new possibilities as part of the Strategic Planning Committee, and has recently joined the Center for Jewish Care task force. A strong proponent of social justice, Hazan played an important role in shaping many new JFS initiatives that have created lasting change in the San Diego community.
Danielle & Brian Miller
As owners of award-winning toy store Geppetto’s, Danielle and Brian Miller’s passion for helping children thrive has strengthened the community and provided vulnerable families with the tools, resources, and support they need to transform their lives through several JFS programs. From supporting organizations that benefit childhood development to fundraising for local schools, the Millers are dedicated to creating a San Diego where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Danielle and Brian’s commitment to empowering families and kids remains true to JFS’s core value of “Kehillah,” the Hebrew word for community.
Partnering with Honorary Chairs Evelyn and Ernest Rady, Gala Chairs Scott Schindler, Marie Raftery and Dr. Robert Rubenstein hosted an evening of dinner, dancing and a silent auction to encourage awareness and philanthropy throughout the year.
Underwriters for this year’s Gala include Presenting Underwriters a longtime anonymous donor, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services); Lisa Foster & Alan Bersin; Marcia Foster Hazan & Mark Cammell; and Marie Raftery & Dr. Bob Rubenstein, Premier Underwriters Lee & Frank Goldberg and Lois J. Richmond & Family, and Dinner Underwriters Marjorie & Sheldon Derezin; Kathleen & Mark Jones; Sean Joseph & Mahau Ma; Arlene & Louis Navias; and Karen & Jeffrey Silberman.
Proceeds benefit JFS’s ongoing efforts to help people in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen the San Diego community. To learn more, visit www.jfssd.org.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 34,000 San Diegans this past year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency adapted, revised and expanded its services to focus on what was needed most, including critical food assistance through a no-touch drive-thru distribution, meal delivery and self-care support for seniors, safe spaces for people living out of their vehicles, and employment services and counseling. From response to recovery, JFS will be there for the community and offer much needed relief and vital necessities. Together, we will make it through this.
To get help, volunteer or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
*
Preceding provided by Jewish Family Service