JCC Celebration Ball Honors “Spirit of Maccabi”
The JCC Celebration Ball will celebrate the “Spirit of Maccabi” by honoring the achievements of Hoag Hospital, Jason Lezak and Wendy Stark for their commitment and service to the JCC Maccabi Games(R) and ArtsFest(R), according to Dan Bernstein, president and CEO of the Merage Jewish Community Center.
The JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest, the largest Jewish youth event in the world, hosted by the Merage JCC from August 4 to 9, will welcome more than 2,000 visiting Jewish teens from across the globe and involve thousands of people from Orange County, including 800 host families, 1,500 volunteers and 350 teen athletes/artists.
The Celebration Ball will honor Hoag Hospital for its spirit of collaboration by making the highest quality healthcare available to the community and for its steadfast support of the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest; eight-time Olympic medalist Jason Lezak for exemplifying the spirit of healthy competition through his remarkable achievements as a world-class swimmer and team player; and Wendy Stark for her enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to building community.
The ball will be held on Sunday, May 19, at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach. Ball co-chairs are Adrienne Matros and Hal Altman. Tickets for the gala are $250 per person and available by calling the JCC at (949) 435-3400 or online at www.jccoc.org. Proceeds from the Celebration Ball will benefit JCC scholarships for summer camps, including the 2013 JCC Maccabi games(R) and ArtsFest(R), as well as preschool and after school programs.
The spirit of healthy competition – doing one’s best while promoting teamwork and positive participation – is exemplified by Jason Lezak. This Olympic, Maccabiah and JCC Maccabi Games gold medalist is a highly respected athlete and is being honored for his inspiring leadership in motivating many young athletes to achieve their best.
A passionate advocate for building community, Wendy Stark has been making a difference in Orange County for more than 20 years. A former industrial designer, Wendy brings and abundance of creativity and ingenuity to her volunteer efforts and is being honored for her enthusiastic leadership in helping build a vibrant Jewish community and thriving Jewish Community Center in Orange County.
Stark said, “I was actually very surprised and honored that the Merage JCC is recognizing me this year. To be honored by an organization that I love, and for doing volunteer work that I truly enjoy is very rewarding. The JCC means a lot to my family and me for its value not only to the Jewish community but also for its contributions to the entire Orange County community. I feel very lucky to have had a small role in the growth of the Merage JCC.”
The spirit of collaboration – combining efforts and working together for a greater good – is exemplified by Hoag Hospital. Hoag serves the community by offering a comprehensive blend of health care and specialized services. Hoag is being honored a leading regional health care delivery network, and for aligning with numerous community organizations to help foster the healthy growth and development of youth and the underserved in Orange County.
“Hoag is honored and humbled to be recognized for our support of the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest ,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, president and chief executive officer of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. “We are a proud sponsor of this important youth event and consider it a privilege to provide the highest quality health care services for the participants and the community.”
SCORT Slates Luncheon…
SCORT (South County ORT) will hold its 17th Annual Benefit Luncheon & Boutique on Tuesday, May 21, at the Mission Viejo Country Club, 26200 Country Club Drive, Mission Viejo. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with a boutique and registration. Lunch is at noon, followed by entertainment by Cantor Nancy Linder of Temple Beth David and Rob Woyshner, piano accompanist and the presentation of the Dani Award to Marsha Kmec. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. Couvert for the event is $48. For details, call Lois Weiss at (949) 888-2611 or Charlene Zuckerman at (949) 248-1234.
…As Does North County ORT
Fullerton/North Orange County ORT will hold its annual luncheon and silent auction on Wednesday, May 22, at 9:30 a.m. at the Alta Vista Country Club. There will be vendors, a luncheon and entertainment, as well as an opportunity drawing with three big prizes, an early bird prize and door prizes. The cost of the organization’s major fundraiser is $50. For more information, contact ebsocol@aol.com.
Swing into Spring
Santa Ana/Tustin Hadassah’s Swing into Spring gala features Larry Maurer, presenting a luncheon program entitled, “From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway” on Tuesday, May 21, at 11:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom of Orange County, 2625 North Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana. Maurer will show how liturgical music and music from the shtetl have influenced Jewish American composers in their music throughout the years. For reservations, send a check for $50 made out to HADASSAH, by Tuesday May 7, to Sonny Bell, 4150 East Addington Drive, Anaheim 92807.
Doctor Wins Award
Dr. Iris Rosenfeld, a Laguna Hills-based chiropractor, received the Debra Reed Business Leader Award. The spirit of this award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated leadership qualities that rise above the norm. This female inspires others through outstanding performance and by leading through example in their chosen field of expertise. Dr. Iris was nominated by Robbie Motter, Director of NAFE, the National Association of Female Executives.
Experience Midnight in Paris
University Synagogue will hold its gala dinner dance, themed Midnight in Paris,” on Saturday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the Island Hotel Newport Beach. The event features classic cocktails, French wines, fine food, a café, live Jazz entertainment, dancing, silent and live auctions plus many surprises à la française. Dr. Miriam Piven Cotler and Ellie and Allen Jaffy will be honored for their ongoing support and dedication. To purchase tickets at $180, call the Synagogue office at (949) 553-3535.
Make It to 80s to the Max
Temple Bat Yahm Preschool will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an 80s-themed party on Saturday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature celebrity DJ Richard Blade, gourmet food, an open bar, an outdoor lounge, dancing, auction items and prizes. To purchase tickets at $60 per person, visit www.gogogive.com/TempleBatYahmPreschool.
A Life Saver
Women’s Health Forum will present “Pikuah Nefesh: To Save a Life” on Monday, June 3, at 6:30 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana. Cost is $18 per person. For details, contact eileen@jffs.org.
Chalk It Up
The 14th Annual FunWithChalk Festival will be held on May 4 and 5 at the Soka University Campus in Aliso Viejo. The event supports art programs in district public school systems and supplements community work that helps children find refuge and safety. For details on the event and sponsorship, call (877) WECHALK.
Recognizing Love and Friendship
The Friendship Circle’s Seventh Annual Evening of Recognition will honor dedicated teenage volunteers who brighten the lives of children with special needs. The event, slated for the Marconi Automotive Museum on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m., features Richard Bernstein, attorney and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. To make reservations, at $50 per person, contact The Friendship Circle at www.friendshipcircle.org or (949) 721-9800.
Hear about Israel at the Crossroads
Israeli Consul General David Siegel will participate in a town hall meeting, “Israel at the Crossroads,” on Sunday, May 19, at Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen in Yorba Linda. The event is co-sponsored by Jewish Federation & Family Services and area synagogues. There will be a buffet breakfast followed by a presentation. Make reservations online at OCJewish.com or call (714) 693-0770.