On Sunday, December 7, 2014 friends and residents of Heritage Pointe gathered at Hotel Irvine to celebrate and honor not only those involved with the concept and development of a place many call home, but the home itself. A Winter Wonderland celebrated Heritage Pointe’s founders, past board chairs and advisory board.
Over 25 years ago the idea of a Jewish home for the aging was just that — an idea. Until Meryl Schrimmer and Loretta Modelevsky initiated the Capital Campaign that would raise the money needed to meet the escrow for the home. Many of those involved in the development of Heritage Pointe joined community members as hors d’oeuvres were passed, champagne flowed and guests danced the night away.
In looking at the dance floor it was hard to believe the gala was honoring Orange County’s Jewish “Home for the Aging.” Despite many of the guests being members of the senior community, they owned the dance floor. Dancing to everything from swing to bebop, the dance floor gyrated throughout the night and kept the evening alive. The ballroom effused a winter wonderland that can only exist as fantasy here in Southern California.
While guests sat down to dinner, the band introduced Heritage Pointe’s video depicting the history of the home and brief cameos from the home’s founders, past and present board chairs, past and present advisors and snippets of life at Heritage Pointe. Gala Chairs Jane Fischel and Allison Pinsky invited honorees to the dance floor who were recognized publicly for the work and support they have provided to Heritage Pointe throughout the 25 years and beyond.
A silent auction proceeded the dinner, with items befitting of the elegant gala. While the guests perused and noshed, many community leaders (both lay and professional) could be seen catching up with each other and showing support to an agency that has provided so much to so many in the community.
After dinner Heritage Pointe’s Development Director Ellen Weiss invited guests to raise their paddles to fund a bench depicting two children reading a book, in honor of the 25th anniversary. As was the case throughout the night, guests generously gave the nod to raise the money necessary.
Mazel tov to Heritage Pointe, its residents, board of directors, advisory board, staff, friends and families — and thank you from a community that knew you as only a dream 25 years ago.
Dr. Lisa Grajewski is a therapist with Jewish Federation & Family Services in Orange County and an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Grajewski has been with JLife Magazine since 2004.