(West Palm Beach, Fla.) On Wednesday, December 13, a full room of supporters – both women and men – will raise a glass to 15 years of improving the lives of women and children by the independent nonprofit Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches (JWF). The annual luncheon, aptly named Imagine the Possibilities three years ago, encourages guests to envision a world where women and children all over the globe can be safe and successful. To provide proof that it is possible, this year’s luncheon will feature local grantee partners – The Lord’s Place and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County– and local students who participate in the Foundation’s “No Small Change” program. Taking place at The Colony, and starting at 11:30 a.m., the event will honor trustee Sandra Krakoff.
“This is truly a special luncheon for us, and for so many reasons,” said Tami Baldinger, JWF CEO. “We will reflect on the founding of JWF and our incredible success over the years – including giving more than $2.5 million in grants. As we look ahead to the future, we know the elevated issues in the world require our voices to change the systems, attitudes and behaviors that still create barriers to equality and justice for so many women.”
Lisa Schneider, founding trustee and event chair added, “There is still much work to be done. We invite all people to stand up and support women and their families by partnering with us to create meaningful and lasting change. We know that when women and girls are supported, the entire community benefits – men and boys included. This year’s luncheon will highlight the impact JWF has made in our local community, when we hear from people whose lives have been changed by our grants, education and leadership development programs.”
As part of its mission, JWF funds projects that have long-term effects for societal change on local, national and international levels. In 2016, JWF allocated more than $400,000 in grants. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies received a grant from JWF for $20,000-per-year for two years for its Circle of Wellness Maternal Mental Health project. Earlier this year, The Lord’s Place, Inc. received a grant for its new Gender Responsive Opportunities for Women (GROW) Initiative. The grant is for $15,500 a year for two years and to increase the integration of gender responsive tools and strategies.
In addition, students from the Foundation’s year-old “No Small Change” program will also present at the luncheon. “No Small Change” is the first ever co-ed philanthropic leadership program teaching teens strategic grant making through a gender lens. Participants, who will be future community leaders, learn about Jewish values with respect to gender equality, social justice, philanthropy, grant making, advocacy and more. The teens earn 75 hours of volunteer service for their involvement.
Along with Schneider, Richard Comiter and Beth Wayne are serving as co-chairs. Krakoff is being honored as one of the founding trustees and for her continued support and leadership of women’s rights. Sydell Miller, well-known philanthropist and advocate for women, will speak in honor of Krakoff.
Sponsors-to-date include: Eileen Berman and Jay Bauer, Arlene Bearman, Barbara Mines, Sydelle Sonkin, Shirley Siff, the Leonard & Judy Lauder Fund, Evelyn & Arthur, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, TD Wealth, Jewish Federation of PB County, U.S. Bank.
Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches is a nonprofit grant making and advocacy organization established to improve the lives of women and girls. Guided by Jewish values, JWF advocates for advancing all women and girls, and funds projects that have long-term effects for societal change on local, national and international levels by placing an unwavering focus on the root cause of issues. An inclusive organization, JWF welcomes members of all beliefs and genders who believe that when women and girls are empowered, the entire community benefits.
Tickets are $150 and sponsorships are still available. To purchase tickets, or for more information about JWF, please call Miriam Laing at 561-275-2200 or email her at [email protected]. The Colony is located at 155 Hammon Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480.