From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: November 2021
We couldn’t be more excited about Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis’ 33rd Annual “Laugh On Their Behalf” Benefit taking place on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. – you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home or wherever you might be! Our Annual Benefit is an important and critical part of our fundraising each year and ensures JFCS’ ability to provide programs and services to over 13,000 people each year. By joining us for our take-off on a fun and entertaining morning news show, you’ll be entertained, and by supporting our event, you’ll help our community sustain the necessary services that mean so much to so many.
We are delighted this year to be awarding the Friends of the Family honor to Melanie Barry and her children, Michael and Etta, Ronald and Shari, Leslie and Jerad, and Melanie’s grandchildren, too. For generations, the Barry family has made JFCS a priority for their engagement by their volunteer service and financial support. The show will culminate with a hilarious stand-up routine provided by Comedian Pete Lee, a native Midwesterner and successful comic. We hope to “see” you, and look forward to hopefully celebrating in-person in 2022!
With the holidays upon us, our Hag Sameach program is in full-force. Chanukah begins on Nov. 28; as we have for nearly 30 years, we will be delivering gifts and ritual items along with household goods to the many families and individuals who could use a little help and have been referred to our program. We thank the many, many volunteers who help JFCS each year bring joy and celebration to our community.
I almost managed to get through my message without a comment about the pandemic. We’ve come a long way since last year, and though it was challenging, and remains so, I hope this year you are feeling more joy of the holidays, more comfort of families and friends, and the celebration of helping others.