JFS brings Shark Barbara Corcoran to Denver

Posted: Pam Cress

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes on the popular ABC TV series Shark Tank? Guests at the Jewish Family Service Executive Luncheon got to find out directly from “shark” herself: Barbara Corcoran.

Corcoran charmed guests and supporters much as she does the audience of the hit entrepreneurial show. She talked about her upbringing and her “no problems, only opportunities” attitude, which has served her well as she has formed her multi-million dollar career. She actually wasn’t picked to be on Shark Tank at first, but instead of letting that get her down, she wrote the producer and told him her rejection was her “lucky charm,” and the rest is history. Her resilience and chutzpa meshed well with the mission of JFS.

Jewish Family Service works to reduce hunger and prevent homelessness, provides mental health services to children and families, offers job training and placement for people with significant barriers to employment, and provides support to help seniors maintain a quality of life. Each year, JFS benefits more than 22,000 people.

Find out more at www.jewishfamilyservice.org

: Interim president & CEO Debbie Zimmerman and Board Chair Charlie Gwirtsman

: Karina Christiansen, left, and Kelly O’Connor

: Gary Yourtz, left, Marsha Hurwitz of Jewishcolorado and Rabbi Steven Foster

: Terri Yourtz, left, chats with Sharon Runyan

: Event chairs Rob Kaufmann, left, and David Feiner

: Brett and Becky Dieter, left, Tom Quigley and Rob Dieter

: Eileen Hyatt chats with Steve Farber

: Steve and Elizabeth Kris, left, with Alan Kris

: Board Chair-Elect Leanna Harris, center with friends and family

: John Keith, left, chats with Mark Duffy

: Brian and Dana Parks, left, with Jane E and Stanton Rosenbaum

: Jake Lazar, left, Mitch Lazar, Jesse Aseoff and David Asseoff

: Kyle Soule, left, Pattie Wszolek, Lisa Carey and Alysa Paul

: Akasha Absher, left, Susie Moss, Debbie Zimmerman and Ben Valore-Caplan

: Diana Zeff Anderson, left, and Gareth Heyman

: David Asarch and Charlie Gwirtsman

: David Feiner, left, with Lisa and Jason Walko

: Kristi Dinner, left, Charlotte and Matthew Pluss

: Marc Penner, left, Lisa Cook and Cindy Silverman

: Phyllis Vajda, left, and Andrea Hyatt

: Sara Skerpan, left, Devon and Kelli Schad and Jonathan Lev

: Eric Schwartz and Ali Brodie

: Gregg Alpert, left, and Sam Zaitz

: Karen Silverman, left, Jennifer Rothschild and Bonnie Post

: Bill Goldberg, left, and Cary Chapman

: Scott and Andrea Stillman

: Ruth Sharon and her daughter, JFS Assoc. Director of Marketing & Communications Alaina Green

: Jim Benemann returned as emcee

: Event Chairs Rob Kaufmann and David Feiner thank everyone for their support

: Interim President & CEO Debbie Zimmerman welcomes everyone

: Elaine and Max Appel

: Julie Morse, Matt Joblon and Brent Morse

: Mindy Levy Peckar and Steve Peckar

: Debbie Zimmerman, left, with Marsha Hurwitz

: Debbie Zimmerman, left, gives a thumbs up with Barbara Corcoran

: Ralph Cohen, left, Noreen Stillman, Helen and Morris Ginsberg

: Barbara Corcoran watches as the video describes her career

: Barbara Corcoran makes a point

: Barbara Corcoran is always enthusiastic

: Barbara Corcoran in a light-hearted moment

: Barbara listens as Lisa and Brian present their business “Kids Success”

: Barbara listens to the pitch of Arlene and Doug as they describe “Lunchbox Express”

: The Lunchbox Express project

: Katie and Dicia present their business “Preventing Homelessness”

: Barbara Corcoran and Jim Benemann wrap up the program

07 May

JFS Hosts Magic Johnson at 2015 Executive Luncheon

Posted: Pam Cress

Each year, Jewish Family Service brings extraordinary speakers to Denver to exemplify their mission to help those in need.

This year carried on the tradition as the legendary Magic Johnson took the stage at the Hyatt Regency Denver to talk about his career, his life experiences and the lessons he has learned. Magic demonstrated why he is still one of the most beloved sports figures in modern history–taking the time to talk to fans, shake hands, high five kids and oh yes, raising $200,000 in about 15 minutes. He instantly and consistently made friends with all of the 1,000+ attendees.

Magic mentioned several times how impressed he is with the mission and accomplishments of Jewish Family Service. JFS helps seniors live independently at home, provides quality mental health counseling, offers training and job placement to those with developmental disabilities and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis.

It was a slam dunk in every sense.