The Miami Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged
Wraps Up Another Sensational Season!

The Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged's (MJHHA) 2001-2002 season can be described in three words: One Singular Sensation. In our 56th year, it was MJHHA's tradition of caring that took center stage at each event. Our family of benefactors enjoyed a full calendar of events, with proceeds benefiting the 700 seniors who live on our Douglas Gardens campus and the 8,000 people served annually by our community-based programs. With the curtain about to come down on 2001-2002, we take a look back and sneak a preview of what 's ahead for 2002-2003.

In 2001-2002, the FOUNDERS family grew exponentially. Our FOUNDERS were transported back in time at the Moulin Rouge-themed 19th Annual FOUNDERS Gala. Held on December 1 st, the gala took place at the Fontainebleau Hilton and honored one of South Florida's most well-known and philanthropic couples, Stephen and Sandra Muss. The Sixth Annual FOUNDERS and Friends Cruise was the most successful ever with 100 sailors. Al Golden and Fruma Kaufman chaired the ten-day cruise, which made stops in Aruba, Curacao and Jamaica. Serving as honorary chairmen of the cruise were Royal Caribbean CEO Richard and Colleen Fain. FOUNDERS are the backbone of the Miami Jewish Home and support the capital improvements of the Home, which houses our quality care programs.

It was an exciting year for the Alzheimer's Care Committee/NOTABLES. Chaired by Carolyn Roskin, the NOTABLES Go Latin Gala: Part II, honored Louis Nieweg and Albina Kozakov. The Louis C. Fischer Award was presented to Robbyn and Scott Davidson. Entertainers Willy Chirino and Lissette Alvarez served as Honorary Chairpersons. The 16th Annual Potamkin "Luncheon to Remember," featured Yoly Muñoz couture and was chaired by Claudine Smurfit. Honored were: Drs. Rose and Sidney Danzis, Elisabeth and Jacques Palmer, Erma and William Raflowitz, Ethel and Seymour Roth and Rosa Weinstein. The NOTABLES underwrite the Louis C. Fischer Alzheimer's Adult Day Services and other Alzheimer's programs.

The Greater Miami Women's Auxiliary transformed the Fontainebleau Hilton into a "Who's Who" of South Florida's most influential women at its Lev Tov Awards Luncheon. Yetta Brodie was honored as Woman of the Year and Elaine Adler, Niety Gerson, Florence Hecht, Sheila Hollo, Marcy Lefton, Sandra Levy, Roslyn Meyer, Martha Mishcon, Hildine Potashnick and Marcia Zerivitz were recognized as Leaders of Distinction. Co-chaired by Reyna Galler, Lolly Shiekman and Joni Tate, the GMWA Annual Card Party and Brunch boasted record attendance. Proceeds from these events benefit the "Love on Wheels" and "Love on the Weekend Wheels" projects.

The Latin Auxiliary opened its season with the Annual Summer Luncheon and Boutique. Honored were Olga Zwaig and the Auxiliary's founding fathers, Alberto Barrocas, Solomon Garazi and Samuel Papir. The highlight of the season was the "Lluvia de Estrellas" - Spotlight on Achievers Gala -- honoring Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer, Dr. Bernard Nusbaum, Director Brett Ratner and Dr. Henry Wodnicki. Three outstanding youth achievers, Josh Fieldstone, Ilana Papir and Lauren Zimmerman, were also acknowledged. The gala celebration included a Shabbat Dinner at the home of Mariita Srebnick and George Feldenkreis. The Latin Auxiliary underwrites the Home's Music Therapy program.

At the Annual Awards Luncheon held at the Sheraton Bal Harbour, the Junior Auxiliary honored Hazel Cypen with the first-ever Legacy of Service Award. Long-time auxiliary members Ruth and Mac Berkley were named Humanitarian Award recipients. The Juniors also held the Spring Fling luncheon, an annual "friend-raiser" that introduces the community to the Home. The Auxiliary also participated in the Gift of the Heart Society's "Thank You" Luncheon honoring "Hearts of Gold" who are members of the Home 's auxiliaries and staff and the community-at-large. Proceeds from the lunch were divided among the GMWA, Junior Auxiliary, Latin Auxiliary and Men's Club to benefit their respective projects. The Junior Auxiliary sponsors the "Rosemarie Terzo Restorative Program" at the Home.

The Men's Club ended its season with the Man of the Year Luncheon. This year members honored Hank Goldberg, a local celebrity who has generously given his time and energy to the Home. Keeping with tradition, the Men's Club saluted its own during the season as Menschen of the Month: Jules Gerson, Allen Reinke, Roy Reinke, George Stein and Howard Stein. The Men's Club's speaker series, Men's Club Matters, featured "Live from Jerusalem" host Elizier Rivlin and FIU Professor George Katzman. All funds raised by the Men's Club benefit the transportation service program on the Douglas Gardens Campus.

The highlight of the Men's Club's season is the SunTrust Douglas Gardens. Senior PGA Tour champion Bruce Fleisher attended the Classic offering up golf tips and pointers for attendees at the "Home on the Range." Chairing the Classic was SunTrust's Chuck Klenk. Al Golden and Muriel Rudolph served as Honorary Chairpersons. Hank Goldberg emceed the awards banquet that followed the day's sporting events. Also participating in the Classic was Next Generation which this year dedicated two outstanding projects at the Home, The Howard H. Miller Satellite Cyber Café and Mitzvah Day Mural. In addition, members enjoyed another cooking lesson with some of South Florida's best chefs. Next Generation closed the 2001-2002 season with its Second Annual Mini-Mitzvah Day.

The success of the 2001-2002 social season is owed in great part to the innovative leadership of our seven support groups. Our sincere gratitude goes to Wayne A. Cypen, FOUNDERS president; Bella Goldstein, NOTABLES founder and president; Kathy Schwarz Friedmann, GMWA president; Rebecca Zeligman Salti, Latin Auxiliary president; Ruddy Goldberg and Jean Tesser, Junior Auxiliary co-presidents; Dr. Marshall Bronstein , Next Generation president; and Dr. Irwin Blum, Men's Club president.

The calendar for 2002-2003 is overflowing with exciting events. The official start of the season will come on August 28, 2002 when the Latin Auxiliary holds its annual Summer Luncheon and Boutique. The GMWA will have its "Woman of the Year" Luncheon on November 7, 2002 and the 20th Annual FOUNDERS Gala will take place on December 14, 2002 at the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel and Resort. On January 11, 2003, the NOTABLES will gather for its 17th Annual Gala. And, that is just the beginning.

And so my dear friends, until next week, may the Chai Life be yours!

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