Faces of JFS Honors Awardees, Welcomes New President/CEO

In a unique twist, this year’s Jewish Family Service’s Faces of JFS Winter Soiree not only recognized its many and varied clients and volunteers, but also introduced its newest face: President and CEO Linda Foster. Coming to JFS and Denver from Chicago, she spoke to the crowd of 300 with ease and enthusiasm—on only the sixth day of her new job.

Linda Foster, president and CEO; and Charlie Gwritsman, JFS board chair

The 2018 JFS fundraiser and awards recognition program was held at The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, a new location for the group. With everything happening in one room for its convivial guests, the event had the essence of a warm and wonderful open house at the home of a favorite friend or relative. On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the evening began with a cocktail reception and passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Three Tomatoes Catering, with music by Club Femme.

After a sit-down dinner, a quick-moving program spotlighted two outstanding JFS participants: Mindy Levy Peckar, the Kal and Joyce Zeff Humanitarian Award recipient; and David Asarch, the Yana Vishnitsky Leadership award honoree. In addition to the awardees, those speaking to the audience were: Rabbi Rick Rheins, Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai and JFS board member; Bonni Raderman, associate director of development; Charlie Gwritsman, board chair; Linda Foster, JFS President and CEO; Steve Peckar, husband of Mindy Levy Peckar; Anna and Sam Asarch, wife and son of David Asarch; Aaron Hyatt, board member; and Steve Kris, past JFS board member.

Sam, Matilda and Ben Asarch

Jewish Family Service of Colorado believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to people in need. Every day, JFS helps people overcome life’s challenges to live fuller, more meaningful lives. Founded in 1872, JFS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency serving metro Denver and Boulder. JFS helps seniors maintain a high quality of life, provides quality mental health counseling to children and adults, offers training and job placement to people with significant barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to individuals and families in crisis. Every year, the agency benefits nearly 24,000 people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. For more information, call 303.597.5000 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org. Follow JFS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.