“Morning Joe” Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski to Headline
 FEDERATION Major Gifts Evening of Valor

Event will Inaugurate New “Ketubah Society” for Cumulative Giving

An exceptional night is in store for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s top donors at the Major Gifts Evening of Valor on January 10^th, 2010. This largest and most prestigious fundraising event of the Federation’s 2010 season is sure to inspire as it honors this group’s deep concern and generosity in meeting vital human needs in our community and beyond. Featuring a conversation with “Morning Joe” Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the evening also promises provocative, in-depth discussions on topics of utmost concern to those who care about the important issues of our day.

When the major donors gather at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 10^th, at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, they’ll also inaugurate and celebrate a brand new honor for cumulative giving. The Ketubah Society, named for the traditional, beautifully decorated Jewish marriage contract, will honor the deep and ongoing commitment of those who have donated one million dollars cumulatively to the Federation’s annual campaigns.

“We are delighted to be bringing such renowned and captivating speakers to our Major Gifts Evening of Valor,” said Joseph Mishkin, a Co-chair of the event. “Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have great knowledge across the full spectrum of issues facing us today. Their chemistry together, even when they disagree, makes for great viewing, lively discussion, and a ‘friendly’ feeling similar to sitting around the dining table with your own family.”

As host of Morning Joe on MSNBC, former Florida Congressman Scarborough features interviews with top newsmakers and politicians, and in-depth analyses of the day’s biggest stories. He also hosts the national
Joe Scarborough Show on ABC radio stations, and has authored two books on national politics and the
 U.S. economy.

A co-host of Morning Joe and an MSNBC anchor, Brzezinski also reports on NBC Nightly News and anchors for Weekend Today. Previously, she was a news anchor and correspondent with CBS, for shows including
60 Minutes.

“The news is of vital interest to those concerned with the Federation’s work of raising funds to meet critical human needs,” said Al Gortz, a Co-chair of the evening. “The past year’s economic crisis has taken its toll. Many more people require our help with life-sustaining essential services. This year, more than ever, we truly need the generosity of our major donors – and the entire community – to provide safety net services to our neighbors, to foster a strong Jewish future, and to address a wide range of growing needs for fellow Jews in Israel and more than 70 countries around the world.”

“People in our very own South Palm Beach area are asking for help in record numbers, overwhelmed with costs of daily living, fears of losing their homes, and choosing among food, utilities and medicine. We cannot, we must not let them down,” added Ellen R. Sarnoff. “As Elie Wiesel said at last year’s Evening of Valor, we must all think higher and feel deeper....and, as our Federation’s Campaign Chair, I add that we must dig further. Though our challenges are great, our community is caring and compassionate. Our major donors’ generosity is an inspiration to all, and we will succeed.” 

Jane and Al Gortz, and Beth and Joseph Mishkin are the Evening of Valor chairs. The event is also co-chaired at different giving levels by Phyllis and Harvey Sandler (Prime Minister's Council), Freyda and Ed Burns (Leadership Gifts), Debra and Jerry Kramer (King David Society), Jill and Michael Rose (Joshua Society), and Wendy Pressner (Crown of Judah Society).

The evening’s couvert is $85, and a minimum $10,000 combined gift to the 2010 Annual Campaign is required to attend. All Evening of Valor proceeds will benefit the 2010 UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Annual Campaign, which supports essential services locally, in Israel and around the world.

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.