Celebrating 40 years is a very special simcha.  The Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando is turning 40 this year. Over the last 40 years, the JCC has had many fundraisers, but none is as special or fun as the J Ball, which will take place at the Rosen Plaza Hotel at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

The JCC’s previous executive director, Marvin Friedman, had this to say when asked why he plans on attending this year’s J Ball: “For as long as I can remember, Jerry and Susan Roth have been tremendously supportive of our JCC, as well as numerous other charities in our community. They certainly deserve to be honored and publicly thanked for helping to make our community more vibrant and a wonderful place to live. They enabled the J to make a difference in so many people’s lives...families who were struggling and needing assistance to send their child to nursery school, summer camp or after-school care.

“I certainly hope that everyone who’s participated and benefitted in some way from our JCC will join the festivities at the JCC’s 40th anniversary celebration.”

Harriet Weiss, who until recently served as the JCC’s director of senior programming, continues to attend the JBall, even after she’s retired from working at the JCC.

“The JCC has always been an important part of my life. I love coming to the J Ball to help support the agency that does so much for our Jewish community. I am especially proud to attend since we are honoring the Roth Family as part of the 40th anniversary. They have been longtime supporters, and I think they really deserve to be honored.”

Another previous staff person and current member of the board of directors, Linda Amon, shared her comments as to why she continues to attend the J Ball each year.

Linda Amon, right, enjoys last year’s J Ball with Daniel and Caryn Coultoff.

“The Jewish Community Center was the first place my family joined when we moved to Orlando in 1974.  It was ‘our home’ back then and through the years.  It is where our children went to preschool and camp and where we met wonderful people, many of whom are still our close friends.  I’m excited to attend the J Ball because it brings us together as a family and will raise funds to ensure that our programming and facility will be there for now and for future generations.”

To register for the event go to http://www.orlandojcc.org or call 407-645-5933.