Oil Tycoon, Reality Star and Joyful Chairs Help This Gala Hit the Jackpot: Record $1.7 Million Night Surprises

By all accounts, Jewish Family Services hit the jackpot with its record-breaking “Grow the Family Tree” gala , held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. With the largest ever proceeds of close to $1.7 million, record attendance of more than 800 and a smashing good time, the 105th anniversary celebration of the venerable organization was undoubtedly the best ever.

That was the assessment of all, in particular gala chairs Rori and Jason Feldman and Sandi and Steven Wolf, who were beyond thrilled with the end result that far surpassed the original $1 million goal. The handsome take was made possible in part by uber philanthropists Sue and Lester Smith, who in a surprise move, as is their joyful wont, contributed $300,000 to the cause in honor of their table hosts, the Wolfs. Add $300,000 from the live auction and this night was well on its way to breaking records.

Two lightning hot performances by iLuminate, finalists on America’s Got Talent, mesmerized the gathering while the heartfelt testimonials from eight of the organization’s clients brought home the importance of the organization. The personal stories included that of a Hurricane Harvey flood victim who received support from the organization; a blind paralegal who found a job through JFS employment services; and the senior citizen who was given financial aid so as not to have to choose between medicine and food each month.

JFS annually touches the lives of more than 18,000 individuals in Southwest Houston, an area hard hit by five floods in the last three years. Programs are supported by a staff of 63 and a growing network of more than 500 volunteers.

Who: JFS board president Joy Kaplan and husband Joe Kaplan, JFS CEO Linda Burger, Joan and Stanford Alexander, Julie and Drew Alexander, Renee and Alan Helfman, Lacey Feldman and Todd Wallerstein, Zuzana and Jim Kastleman, Hilary and Blake Helfman, Dr. Penny and Lester Marks, Chris Kase, Stacy Soefer Gomar and Luis Gomar, and Esther and Doug Freedman.