The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s upbeat and up-to-date Major Gifts Evening of Power informed and inspired nearly 250 top Federation donors, celebrating their generosity as well as Israel’s high-tech entrepreneurial prowess. The Federation season’s most prestigious event was held at St. Andrews Country Club.  Chaired by Amy & David Ross and Robin & Gary Rubin, the night of elegance, innovation, optimism and philanthropy raised nearly
$1.4 million for the Federation’s Annual Campaign.

The keynote from Saul Singer, co-author of Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, provided a unique insider’s view of Israel’s latest high-tech developments, the stories behind them, and why Israel has the leading edge. His presentation was illustrated by a hands-on "taste of entrepreneurship" showcasing four cutting-edge Israeli companies.

“Israel’s technological preeminence not only makes us proud,” said Joseph Mishkin, 2011 Annual Campaign Chair. “It also provides us with critical strategic lessons, courage and strength to meet so many growing, vital needs in local neighborhoods, in Israel and worldwide. And these achievements are great not only for Israel, but for the world - in commerce, education, medicine and far more.”

“We carefully planned a positive, reinvigorating evening, from the cocktail reception and high tech expo, through the dinner and Saul’s keynote.” said Robin Rubin. “Tonight’s message about Israel as a driving force in global high-tech entrepreneurship is one that needs to be shared widely.”

Technology was joined by tradition at the Evening of Power, with a Ketubah Society Hall of Fame display honoring those whose cumulative Federation gifts total $1 million or more. “Our Ketubah Society recognizes those who have stood with our Federation through the years,” said Ellen R. Sarnoff, Financial Resource Development Chair, who welcomed new Ketubah Society members Meryl and Ron Gallatin, Marilyn and Jack Pechter, and Drs. Carol and Irv Smokler. “As the Ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract, signifies the commitment of life long support and loyalty of one to another, our Federation’s Ketubah Society honors those who have demonstrated these sacred values toward our global Jewish family.“

“Our major donors’ compassion and generosity continue to inspire us all,” said Amy Ross. ”Each one of them makes it possible for us to do so much good for our Jewish family in need. Our power as caring community members together truly changes the world.”

Also co-chairing the evening were Amy and Robin’s parents, Phyllis & Harvey Sandler (Prime Minister’s Council), Pamela & Howard Kaye (Leadership Gifts), Mildred & Abner Levine (King David Society), Marissa & Jeff Hollander (Joshua Society), and Wendy & Robert Pressner (Crown of Judah Society).

The Federation’s Major Gifts Program is generously sponsored by Kaplan, Krauss & Levine, LLC; Proskauer Rose LLP; Steinberg Global Asset Management, Ltd.; and One Thousand Ocean. The Boca Raton Observer was the event’s Exclusive Magazine Sponsor.

Since 1979, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has been the central address for the Jewish community and one of the most trusted names in local philanthropy. The Federation engages residents of the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach areas in a wide range of philanthropic, educational, social, and advocacy activities, raising millions of dollars each year. Through more than 30 local to international beneficiary service agencies, these funds meet vital human needs in our own neighborhoods, Israel, and in more than 70 countries worldwide.