This year Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School’s Annual Benefit “Spotlight on Champions” will honor Adrienne and Richard Matros, Patrick Roberts and Sandy Bruss. The honorees are true champions who are committed to repairing the world through learning and teaching, acts of kindness and tzedakah and being positive role models for so many.
Adrienne and Richard Matros are being honored as Ba’al Tzedakot — masters of giving tzedakah and tikkun olam. They continuously enrich the lives of others through their acts of philanthropy and reparation to the world. Adrienne, a clinical psychologist, has long been a leader in caring for the underprivileged, and Tarbut V’Torah is among Adrienne’s many commitments within the community, which include the Merage Jewish Community Center, UC Irvine Hillel Women’s Council, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Jewish Federation & Family Services.
Rick is chairman and CEO of Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. He serves on the board of UCI Hillel and is active in the Solomon Society. He supports Taglit, Birthright and AIPAC as well as TVT. In every instance, he and Adrienne have been powerful champions for good within the community. This year, TVT is proud to honor these generous donors and selfless volunteers for the role they have played in bettering our community and for the example they provide – not only for their own children, Carly, Chelsea and Alex (TVT class 2009) – but also for the other students of Tarbut V’Torah.
Sandy Bruss, who has been teaching kindergarten at Tarbut V’Torah since 1998, is being honored for her distinguished service. Beloved by her students, Sandy was nominated for the Disney Teacher Award in 2008 and has also been an Orange County Teacher of the Year finalist. She consistently empowers her students to make their own decisions, gain confidence, develop self-esteem and to be proud of their Jewish heritage. In addition, Sandy routinely maintains contact with her students through their senior year and beyond, encouraging them to be lifelong learners and strongly identified Jews. Sandy and her husband, Jeff, are thrilled that their three sons, Jared, David and Zach, were all able to receive an excellent TVT education.
Patrick Roberts, director of athletics at Tarbut V’Torah, is a distinguished service honoree who dedicates much of his time to mentoring athletes and furthering his passion for coaching. Coach Roberts has led TVT to the playoffs each year for the past twelve years, helping each young athlete achieve his or her dream. Last year the TVT boys’ basketball team was ranked #1 nationally among Jewish high schools. In recognition of his dedication and accomplishment, Coach Roberts was named Coach of the Year for 2009 by Jewish Hoops America. His wife, Sheila, their children and many grandchildren share this individual with the TVT family.
Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School’s Annual Benefit “Spotlight on Champions” will be held on Saturday, February 26, at the Marconi Automotive Museum to honor these Champions of TVT and the Jewish community of Orange County. Tickets and information are available at www.tarbut.com.