By Nancy B.Greer
President & CEO
Over the past year, facing a challenge like no other in recent memory, we all have dug deeper to keep Jewish life moving forward. So many stepped up, devoting more time, giving more resources, working even harder, and stirring those creative juices more vigorously to keep us connected and our community vibrant.
At Federation’s annual meeting every June, we give awards to exceptional volunteers, agency professionals, and lay leaders who exemplify a passionate commitment to Jewish life. These are the people whose dedication has prompted them, time and again, to push the envelope to make our community more welcoming and more vibrant. I want to give you an early heads-up on this year’s award recipients, because it’s so important to recognize individuals who have done so much for Jewish Puget Sound during these challenging times. At our virtual annual meeting on Thursday, June 17, we will honor:
Pamela Waechter z”l Jewish Communal Professional Award
Min An, Chief Operating Officer, Kline Galland
Zach Duitch, Executive Director, Camp Solomon Schechter
Dr. Charles & Lillian Kaplan Board Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service
Diane Sigel, Federation Board
Jack J. & Charlotte Spitzer Young Leadership Award
Will Wright and Elana Zana
Tikkun Olam Award for Public Service
Rev. Paul Benz, Co-Director, Faith Action Network
Each of our award recipients made inspiring contributions to Jewish life in their own ways that will leave an indelible impact. It’s also important to remember that their accomplishments did not occur in a vacuum. They had help and support—from family, friends, colleagues, peers—another testament to the power of relationships that are the foundation of community. Each of you whose lives our award recipients touched made their achievements possible.
You can place a tribute ad in our virtual program to honor our award recipients and celebrate their contributions. Click here to place your tribute ad today!
I invite you to attend our annual meeting to participate in honoring and celebrating their contributions together. And, as we do at every Federation annual meeting, we will bring you up to speed on the impact that YOU have made thanks to your generous support. There will be plenty to share—virtual Jewish experiences that brought hundreds of community members together, the launch of the Jewish Community Relations Council, and much more.
It will be an evening to recognize remarkable individuals who have made an outstanding impact and to celebrate all that we do together for the community we love. Thursday, June 17 at 7 pm. Registration is open so once you register, mark your calendar. I look forward to seeing you soon!
