EVENTs
FELS 100th Birthday Gala
More than 300 guests attended FELS’ 100th birthday gala, where the organization paid tribute to its past and celebrated its future through retrospective photos and heart-warming presentations. The event alone raised $286,000 which will be used to support its commitment to provide “The best of everything, from the beginning” for FELS kids.
Each of the 12 honorees were recognized for the time and financial resources they have devoted so that the children and family served by FELS could have better opportunities, economic self-sufficiency and an understanding of what it means to be Jewish. “These amazing individuals have all given so generously to FELS. They understand that quality child care makes good economic sense and creates the kind of future citizens we all want in our communities,” stressed FELS President and CEO Maddy Malis.
Please read about their contributions below:
Sandra Axelrod, has been actively involved with FELS for 20 years, serving as board chair, vice president and gala chair. She is also a past gala honoree. Axelrod established the Mom Mom’s Kitchen Fund in memory of her mother, Sophie Solomon.
Ellen Kolodner, has spent many years on the FELS board, serving as board chair, first vice president and vice president. She has also served on the Executive, New Business, PR & Marketing, Child Advocacy and Annual Meeting Committees.
David Pudlin, a 34-year veteran of FELS, became involved with Federation Day Care Services in 1977 and has worked with the organization ever since. He has been vice president and gala honorary co-chair. Pudlin has served on the Executive, Budget and Finance, Development, Nominating, Personnel Practices, Gala and Ad Book Committees.
Scott Barsky, has played a significant role in FELS’ success. With 25 years of dedication to the nonprofit, he has been board chair, treasurer, gala chair and gala honoree. Barsky has also served on the Executive, Budget and Finance (chair) and Operations Committees. His board presidency was marked by active involvement with the Federation, which enabled him to sustain and strengthen the agency/Federation relationship.
Robert Clair, has contributed 33 years to FELS and many hours of volunteer work. He has served as gala chair and has been a gala honoree. He was instrumental in raising funds for the Northern Hebrew Say nursery (renamed Lassin Early Learning Center). Clair later established the Robert and Hope Clair Children’s Environment Fund and helped fund a computer program at the Lassin Center. He is always eager to give the FELS children the best. He said that half his honor belongs to his wife, Hope, who has always been a partner and supporter.
Mary Bert Gutman, is an icon in the FELS community. Her 58 years of dedication and enthusiasm for lending a hand to children has made an impact on everyone at FELS. She has been board chair and a gala honoree. Gutman has served on the Executive, New Business, Programs and Services, Marketing & Public Relations and Development Committees. She is a visionary thinker who has had a profound effect on the agency. “We morphed, we merged, we matured, and now we are reaching 100,” Gutman said. “It has been an incredible journey and I am proud to have participated.”
Rita Lifson, an active FELS volunteer for 34 years, has served on the Annual Meeting and Program & Planning Special Events Committees. She also has been the board liaison to the Friends of Samuel Paley Auxiliary. Lifson established the Burton and Rita Lifson Staff Development Fund in memory of her husband.
Kay Lokoff, became involved with FELS 23 years ago. She and her husband, Fred, founded the Terri Lynne Lokoff Early Learning Center in 1987 to honor their daughter Terri’s memory and her passion for young children and the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation, which works to improve the quality of care for all children and child-care teachers. Kay Lokoff has served on the Development Committee and as chair of the Annual Meeting Committee.
Ronald Perilstein, an active board member for 15 years, has been board chair, first vice president, gala chair and recording secretary. Perilstein has served on the Executive, Leadership, Operations, Nominating, Human Resources, Gala, and Strategic Planning Committees. He has helped the board to identify and focus on priorities and to take reasonable risks for fulfilling FELS’ mission.
Gail Rosenberg, a past vice president, gala chair and gala honoree, prides herself on her long-term commitment to FELS. She has devoted more than 38 years to the organization. An early childhood educator, Rosenberg understood the importance of making a long term commitment to FELS. She is credited with identifying and recruiting family and friends for the board whose contributions have been invaluable.
Charlotte Rosenthal, has devoted the past 28 years to FELS. She has served as past gala chair and gala honoree. She also has chaired the Annual Meeting, Marketing & PR, Development, Program and Service Committees.
Joyce Straus (deceased), left her positive mark on FELS’ history and contributed to its legacy. She devoted 46 years to the organization that she held close to her heart. Straus was board chair, vice president, treasurer and gala honoree. She served on the Executive, Development, Program & Services, Gala and Ad Book Committees. With her passing, FELS lost a dear friend and advocate.
Gala 2011
 
 
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