Women In Power Luncheon February 12, 2018

On Monday, February 12, 2018 National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) rolled out the Red Carpet (literally and figuratively) for a spectacular event that will support two of our many programs- Kids Community Closet and Weekend Pantry. The luncheon, which was held at Mirasol Country Club, was attended by more than 430 people.  This event was to honor Fran Weissler with The Woman In Power Award and also to honor Laurie Alexander with NCJW’s President’s Award. Kudos to Linda Finkelstein, VP of Fundraising and Special Events along with her chairwomen, Marla Shainman and Nadine Kaplan. Ms. Weissler shared stories of how she was able to break the Glass Ceiling in a typically men’s profession.  She is a 7 time Tony Award Winning producer along with her husband, Barry Weissler.  Fran regaled us with stories of her humble beginnings, determination and success as a Broadway producer with humor and honesty.  A wonderful time was had by all. Laurie Alexander received her award for her extraordinary talents as former VP of Special Events.  Laurie has developed new formats for the Palm Beach Section’s programs and has brought us to new heights. Kids Community Closet provides uniforms and underwear to children in thirteen Title One Palm Beach County Schools. The attendance rate has soared due to this program because children who formerly could not attend school due to not having a clean or properly fitting uniform or had to be sent home if they soiled their clothing, now can attend school every day.  There is also a Closet for the homeless supplying underwear and toiletries. Our newest program, the Weekend Pantry, provides backpacks filled with food on Fridays to identified and willing families in one elementary school so that these families can have food for the weekend.  One parent sent a thank you note to Geraldo Reyes, Parent Liaison at Cholee Elementary School, stating that, if the food had not been sent home, her family would have had nothing to eat that weekend.  This program is currently in only one Palm Beach County School as a pilot program but, through the generosity of donations generated from the Women In Power luncheon, we hope to open one or two more next season.  Our ultimate goal is to have this program in all of our schools that have a Kids Community Closet. If you wish to donate to one of our specific programs, please go HERE.