JFS Celebrates 150 Years at *LOL* Executive Luncheon With Amy Schumer

JFS Celebrates 150 Years at LOL Executive Luncheon With Amy Schumer

Posted: Lisa Perry

With a simple “Did I miss anything?” Amy Schumer’s 2022 awards show comment was the laughter-inducing, tension-easing quote that went viral. What great timing, coincidence or not, for Jewish Family Service to bring Miss Amy to Denver just eight days after she co-hosted that memorable event. The 2022 year-long, extra-special JFS 150th anniversary celebration’s highlight? Its annual Executive Luncheon: 150 Laughs Over Lunch with Amy Schumer. It lived up to its name.

Granddaughter and grandmother Caley Weinstein (left) and Jackie Frazin

On Monday, April 4, the event began with a VIP reception attended by major sponsors and supporters getting a chance to chat and catch up before the luncheon began. At the Colorado Convention Center’s Mile High Ballroom, guests enjoyed a plated lunch and a handful of pre-Amy speakers (in order): Rabbi Rachel Kobrin; President & CEO Linda Foster; event co-chairs Jordan and David Feiner, and Niah and Aaron Hyatt; Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; Community Leadership Award recipient Norm Brownstein on behalf of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP; Gov. Jared Polis; and concluded with Max and Elaine Appel‘s announcement that their event-donation match of $250,000 had increased up to $500,000.

Amy Schumer quietly took the stage, sitting down in an armchair during the Appels’ announcement. When it ended, she immediately walked up to a second microphone onstage and deadpanned, “I don’t buy it.” Start your engines, here we go. Joined by friend and moderator, comedian Jaye McBride, the two began a Q&A session that ran the gamut, with tidbits such as: Schumer was in her trailer when the slap heard ’round the world happened, watching the uncensored version on a monitor. She counts Chris Rock among her short list of favorite comedians and New Orleans as one of her favorite places…with a required, diplomatic mention of Denver, of course.

Just one of the 150 Laughs Over Lunch.

The chat also covered Schumer’s IVF experience, being called “Amy Jew-mer” in school, anticipating missing her baby son while touring and even pronoun usage with transgender McBride. Audience reactions included laughter, raised eyebrows, groans, sympathy and ultimately applause. The off-the-cuff conversation had guests feeling like they at least had a glimpse of someone who is funny, a bit irreverent and definitely sardonic, but overall a caring, talented woman.

Jewish Family Service writes: “JFS is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need – regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs. We believe in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community.

“Founded 150 years ago, we currently offer more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support and disability services. JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family and provides the appropriate services all from one organization. We continuously evaluate the evolving challenges of our community and adapt or develop programs that respond to the resulting needs.”

For more information: https://www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ .

: JFS 150th Anniversary Chair and event sponsor Jane E. Rosenbaum, with son Ari Rosenbaum

: Event co-chair and sponsor Niah Hyatt (left) with son Beckham and sister Landei Sharp

: Event co-chairs and sponsors Jordan and David Feiner

: Landei Sharp and Julian Lind

: Peter Wycoff and Lori Dresner

: Steve and Faye Demby, with board chair, sponsor and event co-chair Aaron Hyatt (right)

: (l to r): Catherine and Peter Ecklund, sponsors David and Anna Asarch, Liza Coughlin

: (l to r): Rob Grise, Beth Warning, Diane Holbert, Brian Fallin, Russel Schmucker, Brian Aratani

: JFS President & CEO Linda Foster (center), with co-chairs Jordan and David Feiner (left) and board chair Aaron and Niah Hyatt

: Meghan Zeidman (left) and Barbara Zeidman

: Tables are set in the Mile High Ballroom.

: Mile HIgh Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center

: (l to r): Helene Meyer, Denise Jendrusch, Marissa Rotilie, Kevin Pitts, Alice Klein

: (l to r): Laura and Loren Knaster, Andy Baum, Don and Marilyn Weinhouse

: (l to r): Kate Riazo, Landei Sharp, Anne Chapman, Beckham Hyatt, Karola Landrey, event co-chair Niah Hyatt, Anna Hallen

: (l to r): Jill Lee, Dana Parks, Sharon Marks

: (l to r): Jesse Ogas, and Susie and Perry Moss

: Sue Coughlin (left) and Linda Appel Lipsius

: Regina Jackson (left) and Janet Kritzer

: Arlene Hirschfeld (left) and Katy Loveberry

: Committee member Bret Weinstein and Michele Ciardullo

: (l to r): Sponsor and award recipient Norm Brownstein, with Rocky and Suzi Miller

: Denise and Scott Hasday

: (l to r): Sponsors Scott Stillman, board member Mindy Levy and Steve Peckar

: Granddaughter and grandmother Caley Weinstein (left) and Jackie Frazin

: Adam and Katie Agron

: Adam and Katie Agron (left), with Rich Benenson

: (l to r): Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld, with event sponsors Norm and Sunny Brownstein, and Charlie Gwirtsman

: (l to r): Security rep Titus Abera, Jean and Gary Marshall, Samantha Deebs

: (l to r, front): Michael Steinberg, Sarah Kopp, Mallory Sussman. Back: Bonnie Liff (left) and Kim Fishman

: Hamotzi/DaVar Torah by Rabbi Rachel Kobrin, JFS board member

: JFS 150th Anniversary Chair Jane E. Rosenbaum

: JFS President & CEO Linda Foster

: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

: (l to r): Linda Moore, Shar Dobson, Michelle McCollum, Jeanne Vogel

: A heartfelt hug at the VIP reception

: Yes, I really am at the JFS Executive Luncheon with Amy Schumer.

: Event co-chairs Niah and Board Chair Aaron Hyatt

: Event co-chairs David and Jordan Feiner

: Denver Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer

: Norm Brownstein accepts the inaugural Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Community Leadership Award on behalf of the firm.

: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

: Just one of the 150 Laughs Over Lunch.

: Guests finish their meal before Amy Schumer’s entrance.

12 Mar

JFS 150-Year Anniversary Events Kick Off With Reception at History Colorado

Posted: Lisa Perry

To Jewish Family Service (JFS), 2022 is extra special, something unique. It’s the group’s sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of its life-changing community service in Denver. Back in 1872, Denver was a whopping 14 years old, its train depot had welcomed rail travel for all of four years and the first dedicated fire station was just five years old. While today’s JFS annually holds a number of entertaining and noteworthy events, there’s a little added sparkle to all of them this year.

(l to r): Brent and Kitty Ohman, with Roxanne and Tom Miller-Freutel

On Thursday, March 10, supporters gathered at History Colorado for a spirited reception that featured a JFS traveling history exhibit, a mayoral appearance and a reading of the official JFS entrance into this year’s Congressional record. Guests all paused to peruse the exhibit as they chatted and indulged in passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet offerings and beverages. A short program featured remarks by: JFS Board Chair Aaron Hyatt; 150th Anniversary Chair Jane Rosenbaum; Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; Mile High United Way President & CEO Christine Benero; Ricardo Gutierrez, Constituent Advocate for Congressman Jason Crow; and JFS President and CEO Linda Foster. Remarks not only focused on the good works of JFS, but also about the organization’s upcoming lineup of stellar events: beginning with a luncheon featuring comedienne/actress Amy Schumer in April and concluding with a festive end-of-year gala in November. The evening ended with a toast celebrating 150 years of JFS.

Aaron Hyatt, Linda Foster (center) and Jane Rosenbaum toast to 150 years of JFS community service in Denver.

Jewish Family Service is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need – regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs. The organization believes in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community. JFS exists to fulfill one of the most important Jewish values: that of Tikkun Olam, the obligation to make the world a better place.

Founded 150 years ago, JFS currently offers more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support and disability services. JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family, and provides the appropriate services all from one organization. The organization continuously evaluates the evolving challenges of our community and adapts or develops programs that respond to the resulting needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ .

: President and CEO Linda Foster in front of the traveling JFS history exhibit

: Christine Benero (left), president & CEO of Mile High United Way; with JFS President & CEO Linda Foster

: Roxanne and Tom Miller-Freutel

: Matthew Fredrickson and Amanda Dubon

: Bill Foster (left), Leah Weinkle and board member John Keith

: 150th Anniversary Chair Jane Rosenbaum and Dr. Michael Opatowski

: Jennifer Kraft (left) and Ruth Malman

: (l to r): Brent and Kitty Ohman, with Roxanne and Tom Miller-Freutel

: JFS Board Chair Aaron Hyatt and CEO & President Linda Foster

: (l to r): Committee members Niah and Aaron Hyatt, with President & CEO Linda Foster and son Jeremy Foster

: Ginna and Jeff Rinkov

: (l to r): Board member Derek and Megan Conn, with committee members Jordan and David Feiner

: Jo and Richard Sanders

: Guests peruse the JFS 150th Anniversary traveling exhibit.

: The JFS history exhibit drew guests throughout the evening.

: Patrice Berry (left), with Lisa and Justin Levy

: Jeremy Foster (left), Melissa Mascarenas and Jason Delgado

: Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a Denver skyline backdrop.

: Rabbi Eliot Baskin (left) and ADL Regional Director Scott Levin

: Selecting the perfect bite

: Laurie Levy and Mark Rosenblum finish their tidbit toast with a flourish.

: (l to r): Committee member Robin Chotin, Lisa Solcher and Cintra Pollack

: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and JFS President & CEO Linda Foster

: Brent and Kitty Ohman

: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and JFS President & CEO Linda Foster in front of the JFS history exhibit

: Chatting with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (second from left)

: (l to r): Jeremy Foster, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, JFS President & CEO Linda and Bill Foster

: Renee Rockford (left), with Cindy and Carl Rossow

: The reception gave JFS friends a chance to catch up.

: The reception featured beverages, as well as passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet items.

: The stage is readied for the evening’s program.

: Guests at the reception in the MDC Ballroom at History Colorado

: Aaron Hyatt, board chair, and Jane Rosenbaum, JFS 150th Anniversary Chair

: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

: Ricardo Gutierrez, Constituent Advocate for Congressman Jason Crow

: Christine Benero, President & CEO of Mile High United Way

: JFS President & CEO Linda Foster

: Aaron Hyatt, Linda Foster (center) and Jane Rosenbaum toast to 150 years of JFS community service in Denver.

: Committee and board member Amanda Greenberg (left) with Kate Shephard, associate director of development

: Heather and Josh Seiden

: Dicia Kemp (left) and Heather Seiden

: At the reception buffet

: Rabbi Jay Strear and Beth Hornstein

: (l to r): JFS staff members Jessica Reeves, Melanie Foster and Lynne Basche

: Roberta Levin (left), board member Dr. Gilad Gordan and Jessica Zeidman

: Steve and board member Mindy Peckar, with Mark Rosenblum

: (l to r): Rabbi Eliot and Dr. Hilary Baskin, Fin Nieberg and Elise Liss

: (l to r): Jenny Herren, marketing and communications director; Eric Johnston, Dicia Kemp and Heather Seiden

: Jo Sanders selects an enticing tidbit at the reception.

: Vic Sulzer (left) and board member Mac Macsovits

28 Apr

Jewish Family Service Courtside Executive Luncheon

Posted: Pam Cress

Jewish Family Service of Colorado has a history of bringing interesting and engaging speakers that epitomize their mission of making the world a better place.

Friday was no exception, as NBA Hall-of-Famers Bill Walton and Bob Lanier took the stage with moderator Jerry Schemmel to talk about everything from NBA rivalry to helping those in need.

Live wire Walton was not shy about bringing friendly jibes at his friend Lanier, but both also got serious when talking about what it means to help those who are lonely, desolate and in need of a friendly hand up. No one chooses to be in that place, but it can happen easily and JFS is there to help, with no judgement on who or why a family is in trouble.

Co-Chairs Scott Stillman, Jonathan Alpert and David Feiner, along with President and CEO Shepard Nevel and Board Chair Jane E Rosenbaum, took the stage at various times throughout the program to thank everyone for their support.

Jewish Family Service believes in strengthening our community by providing vital services to people in need. Every year, the agency benefits nearly 24,000 people of all faiths, races, ages and abilities. To learn more and how you can help, log on to www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

: Steven Powers, left, with guest speaker Bill Walton, Zach Pretekin and Josh Greenberg

: Guest speakers, NBA Hall-of-Famers Bill Walton, left, and Bob Lanier

: Board member Edward Barad, left, and Douglas McKinnon

: Chandra Matthews, left, and Cathy Summer

: Janet Jacobson, left, with Will Garth and Jean Marshall

: Bob Lanier’s size 22 sneakers and an autographed basketball were popular silent auction items.

: Tom Lawrence, left, Darren Markley and Meyer Salzman

: Steve Levine, left, and Terry Fenner

: Doug McKinnon, left, chats with Jon Smith

: Board/committee member Leanna Harris, left, Nancy Lockspeiser, Alberta and Allan Sulzer and Les Lockspeiser

: Maureen Brooks, left, with event Co-Chairs Jonathan Alpert and David Feiner

: JFS President and CEO Shepard Nevel, left, with event Co-Chair Scott Stillman

: Event co-chairs Jonathan Alpert, left, Scott Stillman and David Feiner

: Bill Walton and Bob Lanier pose for pictures with fans

: Josh Greenberg, left, Steven Howard, Josh’s sister Rachael Greenberg

: Julio and Beth Escobar

: Simon Melser, left, and Bruce Dalton

: Michael Weiner, left, Lee Johnston and Andra Davidson

: Board/committee member Gareth Heyman, left, and Ryan Mordecai

: Deborah Sadinsky, left, and Denise Jendrusch

: Co-Chair David Feiner, left, and Howard Brill

: Leanna and Jamie Harris–sponsors, committee members and she’s on the board

: Dan and Diane Sweeney

: Committee member Sam Zaitz and Jeffrey Feldman

: Rick Schepis, left, Tom Koch, Bill Goldberg

: Lisa Soicher, left, with Marvin Levy and Sarah Kachel

: Darren Markley, left, Brad Segura and Pete Casillas of sponsor Denver Business Journal

: Students from South High School basketball were guests

: Chandra Matthews, left, Cathy Summer, Debbie Zimmerman and Ruth Sharon

: Darrell Anderson, left, Sarah Langert and Nancy Alterman

: Sarah McCarthy and Andy Feinstein (committee)

: Julie Winn, left, David Hull and Donna Boender

: Stanton and Board Chair Jane E Rosenbaum bid on Bob Lanier’s size 22 sneakers

: President and CEO Shepard Nevel, left, Board Chair Jane E Rosenbaum and Chair-Elect Charlie Gwirtsman

: Ryan Welch, left, Michael Olmstead, Brian Hutt and Michael Kboudi

: Sarah Kaplan, left, with Bobby Long, Doug VanLerberghe and Zev O’Brien-Gould

: Steve Hobbs, left, and David Dunda

: Albert Dinner, left, Marilyn and Jerry Snyder and John Keith (committee and board)

: Marsha and Jack Feuer

: Jeff Robbins, left, and Gary Lozow

: Mel and Anne Wernimont check out the size 22 shoes of Bob Lanier and the autographed basketball

: David Halseth, left, Doris Rigoni, Jeff Robinson and Stuart Zall (committee)

: Matt Goodside, left, with Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman

: Paula and Les Shapiro

: William Pluss, left, chats with Gary Kleiman

: High school basketballer Stone talks with NBA legend Bob Lanier

: Co-Chair Scott Stillman welcomes everyone

: Co-Chair Scott Stillman on stage with Rabbi Joseph R Black, who gave the Ha-Motzi

: President and CEO Shepard Nevel thanks everyone for coming

: Board Chair Jane E Rosenbaum and Co-Chair Jonathan Alpert on stage

: Jane E Rosenbaum and Jonathan Alpert thank everyone for their support

: Bob Lanier makes a point

: Bill Walton in a lively interaction with the audience

: Panel discussion members Bill Walton, left, Jerry Schemmel and Bob Lanier

: NBA legend Bob Lanier

: NBA legend Bill Walton

: Bill Walton makes a point

: Bill Walton smiles during the discussion

: South High School basketball kids watch legend Bill Walton shoot some hoops

16 Jul

The Hope Center 5th Annual Community Carnival

Posted: ML Chavez

On a bright Saturday morning kids and families ignored the scorching 95-degree heat and enjoyed several hours of pony rides, assorted toss games, and several huge bouncy castles featured at the 5th Annual HOPE Center Community Carnival in Clayton/Cole Neighborhood. This year’s event, held Saturday, July 16, brought neighbors together to chat, relax and enjoy snow cones, cotton candy and other refreshments.

Established in the 1960s, HOPE Center is a community-based non-profit agency focusing on Early Childhood Education and Care and Vocational Training for adults with developmental disabilities. The Center also provides education for at-risk and gifted children, and kids with developmental disabilities for Denver families. This year the organization celebrates 54 years of service and serves some 200 students, of which 65 percent are African- American and 20 percent Hispanic.

The event attracts local families and businesses and hosts a dozen tents with representatives from local health and family non-profit groups and city government agencies. Fortunately, some tree shade was plentiful for Denver Zoo volunteer Patti Wells who showed off one of her larger lizards while around the corner Solome Morales patiently spinned some cotton candy.

Among the informational booths were the Denver County Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), The Center for African American Health, Lupus of Colorado, Mental Health Center of Denver, Connect for Health Colorado, Kids Choice Dental, Clothes to Kids of Denver, and Denver Health, to name a few.

President/CEO Gerie Grimes has led the organization for nearly 10 years, but has been with HOPE Center since 1982 rising through the ranks first as a bookkeeper and later Deputy Director before becoming Director in 2007. A Denver native, Grimes earned degrees in non-profit administration and non-profit management from Metro State College of Denver and Regis University, respectfully and currently working on her PhD

President/CEO Gerie Grimes with Ashia Grimes

. Her grandchildren and several nieces and nephews are HOPE Center alumni and they can often be found serving as volunteers as well.

Besides the summer carnival event, the HOPE Center also hosts a highly successful Vintage Vegas Casino Night every spring. To volunteer, donate or learn more visit their web site at www.HopeCenterInc.org

: Fun in the sun

: The Hope Center was established more than 50 years ago

: Brad Swank and son, Elias

: Solome Morales makes cotton candy

: Patti Wells from the Denver Zoo

: Roxy on a pony

: Vanessa Nguyen and Joanne Butler

: Doria Barajas

: Ruby, Sophia, Grace, and Faith

: Jalaya, Shiata, Sayla, Jaime with kids-Jacora and Brandon

: Lizzie Cook

: Mark Hocker

: Kristen Noonan

: Kindall Jackson, Kesha Dan, Paige Tate

: Taliah Abdullah

: This the 5th Annual Community Carnival

: Enjoying the bouncy playhouse

: Michael Knapp, Sonia Agosto

: Several inflatable playhouses kept kids busy

: Rhian Johnson with a winning toss

: The pony rides were a big hit with families

: Prize cards

: Berkley Webster, Mechelle Salley

: Berkley Webster, Mechelle Salley, Joshalynn Green, Ryan Finley

: Charlie Cherrington with Joel and Leslie

: Lauren Crane with Selah

: Lauren Crane with Selah

: Cynthia Newsome with Eden

: Kids could choose from toys and candies

: Tickets went briskly

: Lejeune family: Ellen, Louie with Leo and Francis

: Kids had more than a dozen games to play

: Berkley Webster oversees a game

: It’s not summer without grilled hot dogs

: President/CEO Gerie Grimes with Ashia Grimes

: Lejeune family: Ellen, Louie with Leo and Francis

05 May

12th Annual Aurora Mental Health Center Spring Luncheon

Posted: ML Chavez

Movers and shakers from throughout the Aurora community gathered at the Crown Plaza Airport Convention Center for the 12th Annual“Living Life to the Fullest” Spring Benefit Luncheon held Thursday, May 5, 2016, to benefit the Aurora Mental Health Center.

Welcome & Introductions were made by AUMHC board member and Event Committee Chair Rachel Nuñez with emcee Charles Packard, Executive Producer of the Aurora Fox Theater, thanking sponsors for their support of the AUMHC PATH program for the homeless.

AUMHC CEO & Executive Director Randy Stith, Ph.D. described the importance of the of AUMHC’s PATH program that helps homeless adults and families with Drop-In emergency need items and services and the Street Outreach Team that seeks to identify the homeless walking the streets who may need help.

In addition to serving as Presenting Sponsor, Citywide Banks this year matched each dollar raised at the luncheon to boost donations at the spring event. This year’s Gold Sponsors were Metro Community Provider Networks, EON, WAVE Audio Visual and the Silver Sponsor was the Asian Pacific Development Center.

The Capitol Steps performers entertained the crowd with a satirical and comical view of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections and the various candidates and politicians including President Obama, and VP Joe Biden, past President George W. Bush, and, of course, the current and past list of presidential contenders including over-the-top impressions of front-runners Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and visits from Sarah Palin and past Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

The AUMHC continues to grow and expand to serve Aurora’s burgeoning population. In March, Mayor Steve Hogan joined with the Aurora Vistas Foundation to present more than $22,000 in grant money to support AUMHC children’s mental health programs. These funds support some 20 programs such as summer camp, a ski program, new playroom, grandparents groups, refugee children and a camping trip.

The Aurora Vistas Foundation raise most of their funding through its annual Mayor’s Cup Classic Golf Tournament attended by Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan and usually by the other mayors throughout the Denver metro region. This year the Golf Classic will be held on Monday, August 22, at Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora. For more information, volunteer, donate or to register for this fun-filled event on the links, please contact Debbie Stafford at 303-617-2300 or email her directly at debbiestafford@aumhc.org

For more information or to make a donation to the Aurora Mental Health Center (AUMHC) please call 303-617-2300 or visit: www.aumhc.org

: Aurora Councilmember Barb Cleland, Rick Hanson

: Carolyn Hill, Thiensa Nguyen

: Board member Peter Cukale, AUMHC CEO Randy Stith

: Keynote speaker Rachel Nuñez with friends

: Hugh Sweeney, Phil Debus

: Center: George Peck and Debbie Stafford with table sponsors

: Andrea Bailey, Gabby May-Shinagle

: Gabe Gonzalez, Killeen Ihlenfelot, Cindy Meyer

: Entree salad of quiche and greens

: The 12 Annual Luncheon attracted more than 850

: “Live Life to the Fullest” is the spring luncheon theme

: Bob LeGare, Randy Stith

: Clare Canny, Walter Almanza, Leslie Madsen

: Aurora City Councilman Brad Pierce, Jim Bickford

: Barb Shannon Banister, Regina Edmundson

: Margee Cannon, Bill Wiggins, Mike Carney, Bob LeGare

: Aurora Housing Authority Director Craig Maraschky, Past Aurora City Councilwoman Molly Markert

: Aditi Ramaswami, Atieme Bernard

: Community College of Aurora President Betsy Oudenhoven PhD, Debbie Stafford, Andrew Romanoff-President-CEO Mental Health America of Colorado

: Asian Pacific Development Center Board Member Lily Shen, Christina Guo, Founder-Publisher of Asian Avenue Magazine

: Guests enjoyed the speakers and entertainment

: Edie Newmark, Kat Torres, Sheyella Arellano

: Event Chair and board member Rachel Nuñez

: Keynote speaker Rachel Nuñez thanked guests and sponsors

: Cindy Bohl, Peter Cukale, Heather Dolan

: Event Organizers/Staff Members Cindy Bohl, Heather Dolan

: The Capitol Steps performers once again satirized the political candidates

: Emcee Charles Packard thanks individual and corporate sponsors

: “President Obama” addresses guests

: “Donald Trump” makes an appearance

: “Hillary Clinton” addresses the crowd

: This year’s funding is directed toward the AUMHC PATH program to help Aurora’s homeless

13 Apr

Al Pacino visits Jewish Family Service Executive Luncheon

Posted: Pam Cress

Who woulda thought that they could ever have lunch with the Godfather’s Michael Corleone or Scarface’s Tony Montana? More than 1,100 people got to find out at the Jewish Family Service’s “Up Close and Personal” event with Al Pacino on Wednesday.

Pacino demonstrated how he has the range and the talent to play these and so many other eccentric characters as he chatted with the audience, often flitting between his chair and standing at the stage edge. He reminisced about the start of his acting career and the colorful personalities he has come to know over the years, including Francis Ford Coppola and more recently Jessica Chastain. Pacino has had a career spanning more than fifty years, during which time he has received numerous accolades and honors both competitive and honorary, among them an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, four Golden Globe Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the National Medal of Arts. He is also one of few performers to have won a competitive Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony Award for acting, dubbed the “Triple Crown of Acting”.

It was a great way to carry on the tradition of the JFS Executive Luncheon, which has been host to many dignitaries and celebrities. The crowd this year was the biggest ever, raising money for mental health counseling, senior and adult in-home care, disability and employment services and family safety net services. The ripple effect of those helped by Jewish Family Service reaches far and wide, with those who received aid during the toughest part of their lives often coming full circle to give back to JFS.

For more information, log on to www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

: From JFS: Lisa Benoit, left, President and CEO Yana Vishnitsky and Dawn Richard

: Jessa Murphy and Alaina Green of JFS

: Sherry and Allan Tenenbaum

: Yana Vishnitsky, left, and Board Chair Jane E Rosenbaum

: Two of the co-chairs: Stanton Rosenbaum and Leanna Harris

: Charlene Loup and Ruby Rubenstein

: From Boulder: Cathy Summer (Boulder JFS Manager), left, Kathryn Berheimer, Barbara Neulight and Susan Litt

: Samantha Sislow, left, and Katy Johnson

: Ric Murray and Elisa Robyn

: Kyle Framson, left, Stacey Glenn and Cory Dulberg

: Patty Bortz, left, Debra Robinson, Brenda Jones and Chris Crigler

: Alan and Gayle Boxer, left, with Cindy and David Bershot

: Lori Sigman, left, and Suzi Miller

: Joyce and Rabbi Steven Foster

: Andrea and Jack Hyatt

: Barbara Goldburg, left, Bob Rottman, Linda Goldstein and Jenene Stookesberry

: Marcia Kahn, left, and Julie Shaffer

: Event Co-Chairs: Aaron Hyatt, left, Leanna Harris and Stanton Rosenbaum (4th Chair, Jim Miller, was not in attendance)

: Jane and Dr. Gilbert Hermann

: Michael Opatowski, left, Ruth Malman and Andy Levy

: Carolin Topelson, left, Meyer and Geri Saltzman and Philip Sneed

: David and Nancy Kaufman, left, with Mark and Essie Goodside

: Linda Loewenstein and Ron Bostwick, who served as interviewer for Mr. Pacino on stage

: Board VP David Friedman and Alaina Green

: Christie Ziegler chats with former Governor Bill Ritter

: Terri Fisher, left, Jonathan Smith, Beth Hooper, Sue Aaronson, Mark Boscoe

: Cathy Fleischmann, left, Jane Gwin, Gary Mobel, Terry Rubin, Mark Boscoe

: Linda Appel Lipsius, left, Adam Lipsius, Terry Appel

: Co-Chair Aaron Hyatt welcomed everyone

: Aaron Hyatt asks everyone for their support

: Rabbi Joe Black with the Ha-Motzi

: Board Chair Jane E Rosenbaum says a few words

: Jane E Rosenbaum thanks attendees

: Board member Steve and Elizabeth Kris, left, with Rob Klugman

: Eileen Hyatt and Dave Naus

: Brad Farber says hello to Jack and Andrea Hyatt

: Law partners Jack Hyatt, left, and Steve Farber

: All from Brownstein, Farber, Hyatt, Schreck: Aaron Hyatt, left, Jack Hyatt, Steve Farber and Brad Farber

: Julie Morse, left, Barbie Sidon and Faye Gardenswartz

: Al Paciino takes the stage

: Al Pacino reflects on his career

: Al Pacino on stage with interviewer Ron Bostwick

: Al Pacino makes a point

: Up Close and Personal with Al Pacino

10 Dec

Jewish Family Service's Real Hope...Helping Real People

Posted: Lisa Perry

It would be a fun party any time of year, but Jewish Family Service’s Real Hope truly shines during the holiday season. On Thursday, Dec. 10, the 20th annual fundraiser attracted a spirited group of supporters to eat, drink and be festive on the United Club Level at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. December weather in Denver is often fickle, but partygoers enjoyed an unseasonably warm evening—perfect for those who traveled from out of town to attend the event.

The evening began by honoring the fifth night of Hanukkah, with songs and the lighting of a menorah by Rabbi Steven Foster. From there, guests went on to nosh on small plates and passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Epicurean Catering. Open bars and four serving stations with an array of delectable bites dotted the space, and a red-carpet photo area gave partygoers the opportunity to mark the occasion with smiles and sassy poses. Talented band members of Digital Pocket provided plenty of upbeat tunes to accent the atmosphere throughout the reception. Guests were then flamboyantly ushered into the awards program area by lavishly costumed performers of Traveling Performers.

Emcee Steven Peckar was a gracious host, reminding the audience that monetary contributions to JFS were welcomed by writing out his own check donation on stage. JFS president and CEO Yana Vishnitsky talked to the crowd about the good works of the organization, and introduced a short video presentation. Event honorees were Adam J. Agron, Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year, and Andrea Stillman, recipient of the Jack Shapiro Community Service Award. The two were introduced by Vishnitsky and board chair Jane E. Rosenbaum, respectively. After the program? More party food, of course! Guests were able to relax with sumptuous desserts and coffee, as they continued to talk and enjoy the camaraderie and holiday mood of the evening.

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 lie independently at home, provides quality mental health counseling, offers training and job placement to those with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis. Every year, the agency benefits nearly 25,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes and abilities. For more information, call 303-597-5000, visit www.JewishFamilyService.org, and follow JFS on Facebook and Twitter.