Our Federation’s Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy hosted three exciting and inspiring events last month with Ruth Reichl, culinary icon, author, and Top Chef Judge. The three events took place at Hillcrest Country Club, Brentwood Country Club, and El Caballero Country Club, bringing together over 500 women from the City and the Valley to support our Federation’s impactful work. Read below to learn more about the event at El Caballero Country Club, and contact us to get involved with Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy.
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| Ruth shares stories about her fascinating culinary journey with the guests |
It was a beautiful day at El Caballero Country Club on Friday, March 31st, when the women of the Club came out and showed their support for The Jewish Federation at our annual Playday & Brunch.
This year’s program began by honoring longtime Federation supporter and El Cab member Fae Lipeles with the 2017 Golda Award. This award is given annually to a woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to philanthropy and community service. As Fae accepted the honor, many in the room were moved to tears as she shared about her love for the Jewish community.
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| Guest speaker Ruth Reichl and Golda Award Honoree Fae Lipeles |
“When I come to a Federation event, it always feels comfortable and warm, but more than that, I always feel something else — hope. When people care enough about something to come out and support it with their time or energy or dollars, I feel a great sense of hope,” Fae said. “I feel hope that Judaism, that the Jewish community, will continue on. I am particularly proud of the many programs and events the Federation supports for the next generation. It’s so important to me and my family to keep people involved and coming back in support of The Jewish Federation, which takes its commitment to the community so seriously.”
Our program continued with a fantastic presentation by our keynote speaker, culinary icon, bestselling author, and food critic Ruth Reichl, who discussed her Jewish upbringing, shared behind-the-scenes stories about her role as a judge on Top Chef Masters, and thanked the gathered women for their support of the Federation.
“Cooking is an act of generosity; when you cook for people, you’re giving them a piece of your heart, sharing some of your soul. In many ways, it’s a lot like what all of you do: a way of wanting others to share in your own good life. I’m grateful for the cooks I know — and grateful for all of you.”
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| Karen Getelman, SWWP Vice Chair Nancy Beiser, Golda Award Honoree Fae Lipeles, Valley Alliance Chair Jill Namm, and Federation Vice Chair Rochelle Cohen |
Following the program, guests enjoyed a delicious brunch before heading off to play their respective games — golf, mahjong, bridge, Scrabble, and canasta.
Special thanks to our 2017 Playday Committee: Playday Chairs Georgia Capo, Jan Field, Jenni Glancy, and Elisa Taub, as well as El Cab Women’s Chair Alison Diamond and El Cab Women’s Campaign Chair Claire Marks for all their hard work in making the event such a success!
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| Playday Co-Chairs Jenni Glancy, Jan Field, Georgia Capo, and Elisa Taub with guest speaker Ruth Reichl |
The members of El Caballero Country Club and The Jewish Federation share a special relationship built upon a long history of shared values. Events at El Cab are held regularly, with club members joining in to plan and enjoy days of fun and philanthropy.
For more information about Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy, please contact Becca Haiken at RHaiken@JewishLA.org or (818) 668-2331, or Amy Popkin at APopkin@JewishLA.org or (323) 761-8203.
