Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Jewish Academy of Orlando announced it will be honoring the Bierman and Moreno families at this year's annual gala, titled "Jeans, Jewels, and Jazz" on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, starting at 7:30 p.m.

"We take great pleasure in honoring the Bierman and Moreno families," said Alan Rusonik, Head of School. "The Biermans are one of the founding families. They, along, with the Morenos have supported our school for over 36 years."

Not only have they supported the school, they have led the school. With board positions and committee positions they have made quite a difference. "This gala night, we celebrate their contributions to our school and to our community as a whole," said Rusonik.

Arnold and Susan Bierman have three daughters, Lisa Franklin, Sara Rothfeder and Karen Bierman. Their youngest daughter, Karen, started the first day the school opened in 1977 and graduated from the school in sixth grade.

Arnold was in the Pathology Department and director of nuclear medicine at Orlando Health for almost 30 years, and is now retired. He has been on the Jewish Federation Greater Orlando board, vice president of Congregation of Reform Judaism, and president of the Hebrew Day School (JAO).

Susan and Arnold's passions have been traveling (including in their RV), being foodies, collecting art (primarily glass), and of course, enjoying their wonderful daughters, sons-in-laws, and especially their seven grandchildren: Joshua, Casey, Carlie, Tony, Ellie, Austin, and Cassidy.

Susan Bierman was on the original Day School board and was involved in fundraising for the school. She served twice as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando and has also held positions as Women's Division chairman and Community Campaign co-chairman. She was president and board member of Central Florida Hillel and has also been chairman of the Orlando Israel Bonds campaign. She has also been involved in Woman's American ORT, the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Opera. In 2005 she was named "Woman of Choice" by the Women's Division of the Community Campaign

Karen Moreno was born and raised in Central Florida. She attended the Hebrew Day School (now the Jewish Academy of Orlando), Milwee Middle School and Lyman High School. She graduated with a degree in elementary education at UCF. She owns The Bar Method in Winter Park and in Dr. Phillips. Her husband, Tony Moreno, is a corporate planner and owns Moreno, Peelen, Pinto & Clark. In fact, Tony was recently named a Top Ten Businessman to watch by the Orlando Business Journal. Karen and Tony have three children, Carli 17, Tony 15, and Ellie, 14. "The support of this family, has transcended two generations," said Rusonik. Karen and her children attended the school.

Like her parents, Karen Bierman has held many leadership positions. She has been the chair of various Junior League of Greater Orlando committees, chairperson of the board at JCC Preschool, committee chair for several events and committees at the JCC Preschool, president of the parent activities committee at Jewish Academy and the president of the board of Jewish Academy.

"Being the president of the board at JAO was a life-changing experience for me. It taught me about how to persevere through hard times with positive strength. I was very proud of some additions that happened while I served as president," Karen said.

The Jewish Academy of Orlando celebrates Tony and Karen's never-ending support of the Jewish Academy of Orlando.

Jeans, Jewels and Jazz tickets are $125 per person. Tickets include a delicious dinner, live jazz music, dancing by Two Left Feet, magical entertainment and a live and silent auction.

To buy tickets for Jeans, Jewels and Jazz, please visit http://www.jewishacademyorlando.org

To learn more about the Jewish Academy Gala, please call Alan Rusonik at 407-647-0713.