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

On Sunday, March 13, honorees and guests of The Jewish Pavilion Gala demonstrated the impact that just one person can make on an entire community. Friends Board President Faye Novick delivered opening remarks and warmly welcomed the more than 200 guests who had gathered at the Orlando Hilton North in Maitland to celebrate the event honorees, and to make a difference in the lives of residents of senior living communities served by the Pavilion. Novick commended the evening's honorees, Sammy Goldstein and Carol Stein, for sharing their love for their families, their community, and for helping the Jewish Pavilion maintain a caring and cultural connection with seniors in eldercare.

Both honorees sent the audience in search of tissues to dry their eyes during their heartfelt presentations. Goldstein credited his parents, Joy and Harold Goldstein, for inspiring him to give back to the elder community. He is not only a Jewish Pavilion board member, but also makes an added impact as a Pavilion annual sponsor, along with business partner, Manny Adams of Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel.

Stein, a frequent volunteer musician and senior companion, also role -modeled the generosity of her late parents, Betty and Daniel Stein, by giving back to numerous causes. In lieu of a speech, she presented a moving theme song, written expressly for to the Pavilion, noting the invaluable connection the Jewish Pavilion shares with its seniors. She sang, "Sharing a hug can bring such a gift, brightening a day and a spirit you lift. Making together the time so worthwhile, celebrating life with a smile... Traditions we bring and music we sing, in their eyes you'll see a fond memory. It has everything to do with the heart."

Keynote speaker and Village on the Green resident, Ruth "Billie" Goldhar, concurred with Stein's sentiments, agreeing that visits by the Jewish Pavilion hold a special place in her heart. The energetic and spritely 92-year-old shared how the Pavilion has touched her life, creating a Jewish connection year round for herself and her neighbors, including turning a holiday season that is typically red and green, into one that also welcomes blue and silver. She lauded the Pavilion's staff and volunteers for bringing smiles, holidays, special programs, as well as a connection to the traditions and community that have been a part of her life for almost a century.

The moving affair was enhanced by the presence of the LYNX Public Service Bus parked outside the gala in the hotel's front circle drive, adorned with Jewish Pavilion's logo and that of several other nonprofits. Gala goers took advantage of one of the last chances to see the Lynx Public Service Bus, before it is rewrapped in just a few weeks, as part of an annual contest. Additionally, the festive evening featured a silent auction, a gourmet meal, and toe-tapping musical numbers by Paul Stenzler and his band, Rhythm Release.

Brion Price

John and Jill Lange with gala honoree Carol Stein and husband, Lee Wolfson.

"The Jewish Pavilion's 2016 gala was a huge success because of each person who came out to make a difference in the life of a senior. Everyone present, as well as those behind the scenes, contributed to an evening that will help us remain the Jewish connection for the elder-care resident for many years to come," stated Elsie Schilowitz, president of the Board of the Jewish Pavilion. Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion executive director, expressed her gratitude to the village that it took to build the successful event. "I would personally like to thank our outstanding event co-chairs, Marci Gaeser and Susie Stone, their tireless gala committee, our friends and executive boards, as well as the Pavilion staff and sponsors who inspired our gala honorees, guests and volunteers to eat, drink, and to be charitable, all for the benefit of a group that we hold dear, seniors in long-term-care."