On April 30th, the Century Plaza Hyatt was the place to be for individuals working in real estate and construction. A record 1,500 community leaders, real estate professionals, colleagues, friends and family turned out for our largest-ever Real Estate & Construction (REC) dinner, showing their support for our honoree, Rodney Freeman, and our Federation. And without a doubt, every single one of them was glad they were part of this not-to-be-missed evening.
The theme of the evening was Building Community, Building Relationships, which personifies Rodney’s philanthropic and professional ideals. The evening began with our national anthems and Oseh Shalom performed by the Summer Camp Choir featuring campers from Camp Alonim, Wilshire Boulevard Camps and Camp Ramah. It was a fitting start to the evening as Rodney is the founder and Ride Master of our Federation’s Tour de Summer Camps – our annual cycling event that provides much-needed scholarships and incentive grants which allow more families in our community to afford transformative Jewish camping experiences for their children.
REC Chair Ken Kahan welcomed everyone for attending and turning out in force. Then, Dinner Chairs Barry Cayton, Jon Monkarsh, Jesse Sharf, Brian Shirken and Mark Weinstein came out to say a few words and recite the motzi. Following a passionate fundraising message by Federation General Campaign Chair Julie Platt, Chairman of the Board Les Bider and Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson went on stage together to share a few words about Rodney’s impact and to introduce a heartwarming tribute video featuring family, friends and business partners.
The main event of the evening was, of course, the award presentation to Rodney. Rodney’s children Jenna, Gabriel, Maya and Ava came on stage to share their feelings about their father. This was followed by inspiring and loving remarks from his wife Beth. Then it was Rodney’s turn to speak.
Rodney’s remarks acknowledged all those who came before him, and the responsibility we all have to pay it forward, “If we are given the ability to make a difference,” he said, “then we have the responsibility to seize those opportunities.” He went on to share the four pillars of his life: Family, Community, Relationships & Personal Well Being, and Business. He also quoted Dr. Martin Luther King: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Talking about the award presented to him by his family, Rodney said, “This award is the cornerstone of the life I will build from this day forward. It is an honor I will hold dear as I continue to build relationships that make life worth living . . . and build a community where we can thrive today and create a foundation for our children so when it is their turn , they can step up.”
Rodney concluded his speech by referencing a song lyric from Bruce Springsteen’s Thunder Road, after the audio clip played: “Show a little faith there’s magic in the night.” He finished by telling everyone, “Thank you for having faith in me and together let’s keep the magic alive.”
Of course, as is our tradition, the dinner was the prelude to the invitation-only REC After-Party, which took place at the hotel’s X bar. It was a perfect end to the evening for an incredible division of our Federation! We thank everyone who attended, all of our sponsors, our Dinner Chairs and Dinner Committee, and Rodney – for all he has done for our community!
The Real Estate and Construction (REC) Division is one of the most vibrant of the Federation, with hundreds of participating professionals. Look out for the REC Fall lineup coming soon. To get involved, contact David Harris, Campaign Associate, at DHarris@JewishLA.org or (323) 761-8152. And don’t forget to sign up for Tour de Summer Camps and ride for the Jewish future with us on October 25th!
