Taking the Chai road: Major donors group raises $2.1M for family services

Shannon Donnelly
·2 min read

For the Alpert Jewish Family Service, 13 is a lucky number indeed.

At the13th annual dinner for its major donors group — the Chai Society — it was announced that the society's members had raised more than $2.1 million.

The dinner took place May 1 at at Club Colette.

More Palm Beach society news here.

Co-chairs Socki and Bruce Berg and Ruth and David Naftaly, as well as society founder Zelda Mason, were the evening's honorees. All were recognized for their commitment to and vision for the Alpert JFS.

"This evening is a festive celebration of our most treasured supporters. I am so grateful for all that they do, so that Alpert Jewish Family Service can be there for thousands of our friends and neighbors in their time of need," said Mason, who also is outgoing board chair and president. "Because of them, we can be a lifeline for our community."

Chai Society membership comprises more than 100 families — eight of whom are new and/or returning, it was announced — who each year give $5,000 or more to Alpert JFS. These funds support more than two dozen essential programs and services, including counseling, psychiatry, food insecurity, Holocaust survivor assistance, addiction recovery and support, mentoring for kids, domestic abuse, supportive residential living, and many other service programs that help individuals and families through challenging times.

“Our Chai Society members allow our organization to serve as a lifeline to the thousands of individuals and families who turn to us during the most challenging times in their lives,” said Marc Hopin, CEO at Alpert JFS. “We are so grateful for our donors’ continued generosity."

More than 60 people attended.

Proceeds benefit the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service, a nationally accredited service provider for children, adults, seniors, and Holocaust survivors.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: $2.1 million boost for Alpert Jewish Family Service announced at Palm Beach event