JFS to Honor Jacobsons and Gortz/Proskauer at Upcoming Gala

Rales Humanitarian of the Year Award Recipients, Anne & Norman Jaconson and Corporate Leadership Award Recipient Al Gortz/Proskauer

A fairy tale experience can be expected at the 2015 Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services annual Gala — which has a theme of "Once Upon a Time."

The gala is one of the major fundraisers of the year for the Boca Raton-based Jewish social service agency also known as JFS.

The gala will take place from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, Dec. 10 at the St. Andrews Country Club (17557 W. Claridge Oval) in Boca Raton.

Longtime JFS benefactors Anne and Norman Jacobson will be given the Rales Humanitarian of the Year Award, while Al Gortz, a partner in the Private Client Services Department of Proskauer — a leading international law firm — will receive the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of his company.

Cost is $500 per ticket for an evening of cocktails, dining, dancing, entertainment and auctions of premium luxury items.

Co-chairs of the gala are Marilyn Barry, Linda Gefen and Michele Pritzker.

Gefen commented: "We anticipate a repeat of last year with another sold-out event. Once again, St. Andrews Country Club will host an expected 350 close friends and supporters of JFS on Dec. 10 to celebrate and support such a critical agency to our community.

"This year's Gala, 'Once Upon a Time,' sets the stage for an evening full of fantasy — with a magical blend of dinner and dancing, along with exciting auction items including travel, fashion and culinary experiences."

Added Pritzker: "Speaking as an event co-chair, we are thrilled to honor Anne and Norman Jacobson with the prestigious Rales Humanitarian of the Year Award.

"As their daughter, I could not be more proud of them. They are philanthropic pillars of our Jewish community. My parents' philosophy of 'nobody should go hungry' led them to name the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at JFS.

"Their commitment is beyond financial as they contribute to JFS with all of their hearts by participating in the many activities at the food pantry and by sharing their philanthropic motivation to people of all ages."

Barry said: "We are honored to present Al Gortz/Proskauer with our fourth annual Corporate Leadership Award.

"We are grateful to Proskauer — a leading global law firm with more than 700 lawyers representing prominent individuals and many of the world's top companies — for their support.

"Al leads by example as he is active in a broad range of charitable activities within the Jewish community."

Generous sponsors of the event include: Marilyn and Stan Barry, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Toby and Leon Cooperman, Meryl and Ron Gallatin, Linda and Ivan Gefen, Carol and James Herscot, Anne and Norman Jacobson, Proskauer, Velia Sweet, Jill Viner and Shirley and Barton Weisman.

JFS provides help, hope and humanity through a comprehensive range of programs and services which support people of all ages and beliefs.

With locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, JFS programs and services include food and financial assistance, counseling and mental health, senior services, career and employment services and many volunteer opportunities.

Funding is provided by private and corporate support, grants, special events and individuals who reach thousands in need each year.

The RSVP deadline for the gala is fast approaching.

For more information about the gala or the agency, or to RSVP, visit www.ralesjfs.org, or contact Jill Waldman — JFS director of special events — at jillw@ralesjfs.org or 561-852-5013.

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