Sid Jacobson JCC held its 21st annual Friendship Circle Luncheon at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park, where over 500 supporters gathered to champion the agency’s Adult Day programs and its vital mission of improving the lives of those with dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders and their caregivers on Oct. 9
Honoring the mother-daughter pair of Rita Levy and Rebecca Levy for their ongoing philanthropic work with SJJCC, along with the Tikkun Olam Award recipient, Jemi Goldstein, the luncheon was an overwhelming success, raising nearly $400,000 for a mission that was carried forward by the vision and dedication of Co-Chairs Gabby Goodman and Andrea Stein.
“We are so grateful to be a part of Sid Jacobson JCC and to be able to support the Adult Day programs, helping individuals and family members suffering from neurodegenerative diseases,” Rita Levy and Rebecca Levy shared, “We have seen how this illness affects so many of us in devastating ways. The Adult Day programs are a source of hope, help, and peace.”
The event featured Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei, who shared her enthusiasm for the JCC’s mission: “I’m so happy to be here to help raise funds for the JCC’s mission to support patients and families with neurodegenerative disorders. The JCC’s dedication to improve the quality of life for those living with these complicated and difficult conditions is such important, life-saving work.”
It also included a poignant video titled “There Is Help at Sid Jacobson JCC,” chronicling the experiences of Cynthia Caffey, a member of SJJCC’s Adult Day program, through the lens of her daughter, Ashley.
Taylor Graf, LCSW, Associate Executive Director, Specialized Services, added, “It truly takes a village. Any neurodegenerative disease is cruel, progressive, and takes everything away from someone’s life. Coming together in a beautiful setting to raise awareness and funds for this level of programming and support truly saves lives. Today was a huge step in saving those lives.”
