Multiple generations of our Federation’s most generous families—the Hineni Society—came together on Sunday, June 15th for an evening created to thank them for both their philanthropic support of our work and their leadership in our community.
Federation General Campaign Chair Julie B. Platt warmly welcomed the attendees, sharing the success of the 2014 Annual Campaign to date as well as highlights of the life-saving work the Hineni Society members make possible through their generous family gifts of $100,000 or more. Chairman of the Board Leslie E. Bider gave an impassioned address, emphasizing our ground-breaking work with the next generations. After screening a video created with our theme, “I Am the Federation,” he went on to invite the four individuals featured in it to stand and be acknowledged. Joining us with their families were: Avremel Mayer, a young man who lives at ETTA, an organization providing residences and services for adults with special needs; Emma Doner, a camper at Kibbutz Max Straus operated by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters; and Shari and Sam Selman, two Holocaust survivors who rely on the help of an aide to get them to JFS’ Café Europa. The enthusiasm of the applause was as heart-warming as the smiles on the faces of these very special guests, all of whom are touched by our Federation and its partners thanks to the generosity of our Hineni Society and our community.
Danielle Horwich, Co-Chair of our Federation’s Young Adult Engagement and Leadership Development Committee, kicked off the next part of the evening by acknowledging the inspiration of her parents, Ada and Jim Horwich, as she introduced Amy Ziering, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker and daughter of Hineni Society member Marilyn Ziering. Danielle then introduced featured speaker Chelsea Clinton, Vice President of the Clinton Foundation , who began her remarks by thanking the audience for sharing Father’s Day with her. Ms. Clinton spoke passionately about the work of the Foundation and then engaged with Amy Ziering in conversation about her work, her parents, her upcoming parenthood and the values that have guided her life as an activist.
After the inspiring program, Hineni Society member Mark Weinstein and his niece, Taylor Spill, led the motzi. During dinner, many guests spoke with those individuals featured in the video. Later, many lingered to catch up with old friends and fellow community leaders. On their way out, all were presented with framed photographs of themselves with Chelsea Clinton, taken prior to being seated in the beautiful ballroom of the Four Seasons.
It was truly an evening of family, community and philanthropy. In fact, one granddaughter was so inspired by the event she said, “I want to follow in my grandmother’s philanthropic footsteps.” Only 20 years old, this future leader is already embodying the philanthropic spirit of the Hineni Society.
For more information about the Hineni Society, contact Lori Tessel at (323) 761-8313 or LTessel@JewishLA.org.
