America’s Most Influential Rabbi Helps a Vital Houston Museum Raises a Record $925,000 In Guardian Event
Holocaust Museum Houston Honors True Difference Makers
BY Shelby Hodge //
Chris Kase, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Beth Wolff at Holocaust Museum Houston 'Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon' (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)
What: Holocaust Museum Houston Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon
Where: Hilton Americas-Houston
Mise en scène: An impressive turnout of 1,000 Holocaust Museum supporters was testimonial in itself of the importance of this Houston museum. Chaired by Vikki and Rich Evans and Irene Weingarten and Richard Wolf, the event raised more than $925,000 for Holocaust Museum Houston’s education outreach programs. It was the museum’s most successful luncheon to date.
The event honored Linda Lait Burger with the Guardian of the Human Spirit Award. She was recognized not only for her 17-year tenure as CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Service, but also for her former role as interim CEO of Holocaust Museum Houston.
“The remarkable crowd and incredible funds raised to support the Museum are a testament to Linda’s character,” Holocaust Museum Houston board chair Elyse Spector Kalmans notes. “Her lifelong commitment to dignity, memory and justice exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award.”
Keynote speaker was Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple of Los Angeles and inaugural rabbinic fellow of the Anti-Defamation League. Named America’s most influential rabbi by Newsweek, Wolpe is a leading author and commentator whose work has been influential in shaping Jewish thought and public discourse for more than 30 years.
SHOP
“Rabbi David Wolpe is a dear friend and a pillar of thought leadership for Jewish, interfaith and secular communities,” Holocaust Museum Houston CEO Gary Weisserman says. “His message was a powerful reflection on the lessons of Jewish history and our responsibility to confront hatred and uphold our shared humanity.”
Contributing to the day’s success were honorary chairs Joan Alexander, Martha and Don Freedman, Mady and Ken Kades, Velva G. Levine, Paula and Irving Pozmantier, Regina Rogers, and Cyvia Wolff. Joining the effort as host committee chairs were Ellen and Dan Trachtenberg and Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische.
PC Seen: Emcee Khambrel Marshall, Joy and Benjamin Warren, Jeri and Marc Shapiro, Tracy and Gary Stein, Tali and Eric Blumrosen, Susan Bono, Susan and Barrett Reasoner, Cheryl and Stephen Golub, Gail and Dr. Milton Klein, Lewis Kalmans, Martha and Don Freedman, Jamie and Bert Wolff, Dr. Kelly Cohen-Fein and Martin Fein, Heidi and David Gerger, and Nancy Li-Tarim and Dr. Soner Tarim.
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