Logo ™

-- Auxiliary / Gift Shop --

AUXILIARY:

The Auxiliary is committed to enhancing the lives of the residents of the Home. Members of the Auxiliary provide “hands-on” assistance at numerous resident activities, conduct special programs for the residents, and organize major fundraising activities to benefit the Home.

If you are interested in joining this vibrant organization,  please contact Elaine Blumenthal, Membership Vice President at erfb@bellsouth.net. Or contact the Director of Volunteer Services at volunteer@wbjhome.org or telephone 404-351-8410, ext. 246.

GIFT SHOP:
The Jean A. Cohen Gift Shop, operated by the Auxiliary, is located in the main lobby of the Home. Stocked with a unique array of Judaica, crystal, ceramics, baby gifts and jewelry, as well as mah jong and greeting cards, the Gift Shop is your “one-stop shop.” All profits from the Gift Shop benefit the residents of the Home.

The  Auxiliary  of  The  William  Breman  Jewish  Home

Co-Presidents’  Report  –  May  2009  through  April  2010

Dear Auxiliary Member and Friend:

This Annual Report of the Auxiliary highlights the accomplishments of a very busy year.  We present this comprehensive report today so that you can enjoy your time socializing at the meeting and read the report on our website, www.wbjhome.org.  We are proud to serve you and the Auxiliary, and proud of our accomplishments.  We ask that you join us as we recommit our efforts to the work of the Jewish Home in the coming year! 

It is the Auxiliary’s privilege and responsibility to be the fund-raising arm of The William Breman Jewish Home.  We take this task seriously and know the importance of the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts.  With your help, we can expand our donor base, invite volunteer participation, plan wonderful programs for our residents, support the Jewish Home’s dedicated staff, and fund maintenance projects. 

Our 2009 Fall Golden Gala was held November 7, 2009 at the Georgia Aquarium.  Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Randi Levi and Margo Edlin, it was an exciting night!  The monies raised from this community event, which honored Lois Blonder and Marty Pollock, will continue to support the Home’s socialization programs, and provide salary support for recreational, physical and occupational therapists and the Volunteer Coordinator.

Let us share with you some additional highlights of the past year.  We contributed $3,000 to the Home staff’s “Holiday Gift Fund.”  Other monies were raised from donors, our Gift Shop and membership dues.  We are very pleased that our Administrative Assistant, Cindy Cassano, and our Volunteer Coordinator, Shauna Horvath, continue to enhance the efforts of the Auxiliary.

Reports follow summarizing the Auxiliary’s projects.  Our volunteers gave generously of their time, energy and financial resources.  Thanks to you, our Auxiliary supports the work of The William Breman Jewish Home, its Board, our volunteer leadership and the Home’s wonderful staff.

Our work makes a difference in the lives of our residents and their families and blesses each of us.  Together, we enhance the quality of the services offered at The William Breman Jewish Home and improve the quality of Jewish life in the Atlanta community.  Thank you for making good things happen this year!

Cheryl Kramer             Margie Stern                Alice Shapiro

Co-President                            Co-President                            President-Elect

The  Auxiliary  of  The  William  Breman  Jewish  Home

Officer  &  Committee  Reports  –  May  2009  through  April  2010

The volunteers of the Auxiliary of The William Breman Jewish Home ARE the Auxiliary.  We are proud of their accomplishments.  This is the comprehensive report of the Auxiliary’s 2009-2010 activities. 

Vice-Presidents of Fundraising:                                     

Fundraising is one of the Auxiliary’s two primary responsibilities.  Our Vice-Presidents of Fundraising were Sharon Corenblum, Randee Lieppe and Janet Selig.  We thank them for their hard work.

                The 2010-2011 Campus Directory:    

The Campus Directory Committee is being chaired by Amy Arogeti.  Advertising procurement Chairs are Ellen Goldstein, Dede Mohr and Sara Franco.  Please give information changes for your Directory listing to the Auxiliary’s Administrative Assistant, Cindy Cassano.

The 2009 Fall Golden Gala:                 

Co-Chairs Randi Levi and Margo Edlin coordinated this event with the assistance of thirteen committees and numerous volunteers.  The Gala was held November 7, 2009 at the Georgia Aquarium and netted over $520,000.  Its Honorees were Lois Blonder and Marty Pollock.  The Gala’s theme, “A Celebration of Legends” was complemented by dinner and dancing with a Beatles tribute band.  Over 700 members of the Atlanta community attended this successful event.

The proceeds from the Golden Gala supported many special programs and several staff positions.  Additionally, the Auxiliary contributed significant funds for the extensiveimprovements made to the Jewish Home’s lobby.  This last project included new seating areas, a new private dining room for family celebrations and a relocated reception area that will enhance security and resident safety.

Vice-Presidents of Volunteers:                                         

Enlisting volunteer support for programs and Jewish Home resident activities is another primary responsibility of the Auxiliary.  Our Vice-Presidents of Volunteers were Barbara Ducoffe, Pat Fine and Valerie Needle.  They were assisted by Shauna Horvath, Volunteer Coordinator.  We thank them for their dedication, and note that many new outside volunteers and visitors came to the Home this year because of their efforts.  The interest and involvement of so many add greatly to our residents’ quality of life.

The full list of volunteer activities is available for review and sign-up online.  For information, contact any of our Vice-Presidents or our Volunteer Coordinator.  Your sign-up information will be forwarded to the appropriate Vice-President or committee chair in your area of interest.

Vice-Presidents of Membership:        

Vice-Presidents of Membership Brooke Blasberg, Elaine Blumenthal, Jodie Jackson and Randi Levy report

the Auxiliary has a total of 1,173 members, an increase from last year’s total of 1,091.  Approximately half are Life members.  In the current fiscal year, 7 Annual members have converted to Life membership, and 10 new Annual members have joined.  All new members receive a welcome letter, a list of volunteer opportunities and a copy of the Auxiliary’s current directory. 

An event for potential new Auxiliary members is being planned for this September at the Home.  The committee also sent out approximately 60 letters to persons who have volunteered at the Home within the last year and who are not current members of the Auxiliary.

Vice-President of Special Events:  

Another important aspect of volunteer support was handled by Sherry Habif and Leanna Rinzler, Vice- Presidents of Special Events.  Three events are planned annually, which include the coordination of budget, venue, décor, meals, invitations, and other arrangements.  This year’s events included a residents’ Chanukah Party in December, a Sweethearts’ Tea in February for Valentine’s Day, and a newly planned Wine and Cheese Party on May 27. 

The Special Events Vice-Presidents, the Volunteer Vice-Presidents and their committees work together to create, implement and staff various events during the year.  A new event is planned for this fall honoring new members, and will be held in conjunction with the Membership Committee. 

                Jewish Home Residents’ 2009-2010 Special Events             

Jewish and American holidays were celebrated in style at the Jewish Home this year.  A festive Chanukah event for over 60 guests and residents was held in December 2009.  It featured lovely decorations (including gelt and dreidels), delectable seasonal food (including Chanukah jellydoughnuts) and the wonderful voices of “Shir Harmony,” a Jewish women’s a capella choir.  Candles were lit by the children and grandchildren of the committee volunteers.

In February 2010, the Sweethearts’ Tea was a great success.  Thefestivered and pink silk floral centerpieces and balloons were complemented by the lovely red and pink party hats worn by our lady residents, and donated by Cookie Aftergut for this special event.  Delicious baked goods and candies were served with entertainment provided by a delightful piano player/singer who had everyone tapping their feet and swaying to the music.  Over 60 guests attended, including residents, their caregivers and family members.

On May 27^th, a Wine and Cheese Party will be held in the Garden of the William Breman Jewish Home for residents and their families.  We look forward to this exciting new event, and thank the many volunteers and the donors of decorations and décor, flowers and food, and other assistance for their contributions this year.

                Auxiliary 2010 Annual Spring Luncheon               

Our Annual Luncheon will be held at The Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead, April 19.  The color theme is “regal purple.”  Our luncheon’s lovely tables, terrific menu and fabulous decorations are a result of the hard work of the Committee’s members Dorita Arnold, Julie Blasé, Linda Diamond, Barbara Ducoffe and Arlene Turry. 

In addition to the Installation of Officers, the excitement of raffles and door prizes, and the awarding of the Auxiliary’s first “Auxilian Extraordinaire” to long-time volunteer Janet Selig, a “bell choir” composed of William Breman Jewish Home residents will entertain Auxiliary members and their guests.

This event is chaired by Sherry Habif and Leanna Rinzler.  Special thanks go to Janet Camhi – Reservations, Stella Firestone – Mailing, Sherry Habif and Leanna Rinzler – Décor,

Sally Kaplan – Seating, Jennie Moret – Raffle, and Margie Stern - Invitations. 

Vice-Presidents of the Gift Shop:

The stocking and operation of the Jewish Home’s Gift Shop and the maintenance of its sufficient workingcapitalare the responsibility of Vice-Presidents Pat Balser, Eileen Epstein, Sue Saban and Lauren Spector.  Through their efforts and the help of the volunteer employees, the Gift Shop will contribute $5,000 to the Auxiliary this year.  Many exciting new items have been added.

Residents and staff of the Jewish Home and the Jewish Tower patronize our Gift Shop.  Please consider our Gift Shop when you need a gift for a child, grandchild, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding, anniversary or birthday.  This is a great way to support the Auxiliary and the William Breman Jewish Home.

Treasurer’s Report:                   

Our Treasurer, Amy Arogeti, and Assistant Treasurer, Jennifer Crim, do a diligent and accurate job tracking the income and outflow of the Auxiliary’s funds.  We are grateful for their untiring service in these crucial positions, and appreciate their timely and considerate handling of this job’s many duties.

Recording and Corresponding Secretaries’ Report:               

Fran Scher and Jennifer Weiss, our Recording Secretaries, kept meticulous records of the Auxiliary’s meetings during the year.  Their efforts are most appreciated.  Ann Kay, our Corresponding Secretary, did an outstanding job of acknowledging contributions and responding to all written correspondence in a timely manner. 

Historian’s Report:                                   

Auxiliary Historian, Lauren Shapiro, worked hard taking and developing pictures which reflect our  memories of The William Breman Jewish Home’s and the Auxiliary’s many events during the past year.  We look forward to enjoying the album she will prepare for our viewing by year end.

Nominating Committee’s Report:   

Margie Greenberg, Nominating Committee Chair, was assisted by her Committee, which included Patty Brown, Linda Diamond, Margo Edlin, Billie Greenberg, Jennie Moret, Andi Morse, Michelle Simon, Co-President Elect Alice Shapiro and current Co-Presidents Cheryl Kramer and Margie Stern.

The Committee worked diligently to develop the slate presented today.  Our new Executive Committee and General Board members will be installed at today’s Annual Luncheon with terms of office running from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.  We gratefully acknowledge those who are completing their term of service on the Auxiliary Board.  We thank Rita Bodner, Sara Borochoff, Sally Coolik, Debbie Neese, Emily Shapiro and Joyce Shlesinger for their participation and service to the Auxiliary. 

Slate of Executive Committee 2010-2011

Co-Presidents                                      Margie Stern & Alice Shapiro

President-Elect                                    Sherry Habif

Vice Presidents - Membership            Brooke Blasberg, Jodie Jackson & Andi Morse

Vice Presidents - Fundraising             Margo Edlin, Randi Levy & Patty Brown

Vice Presidents – Volunteers              Pat Fine, Barbara Ducoffe & Ann Kay

Vice Presidents – Special Events        Leanna Rinzler & Valerie Needle

Vice Presidents – Gift Shop                Lauren Spector, Pat Balser, Janet Camhi & Barbara Ordover

Vice President at Large                       Janet Selig

Treasurer                                             Jennifer Crim

Corresponding Secretary                    Sue Saban

Recording Secretaries                         Fran Scher & Jennifer Weiss

Historian                                             Lauren Shapiro

Parliamentarian                                  Stephanie Wyatt

Chair Nominating Committee            Cheryl Kramer

Jewish Home Liaisons                        Shauna Horvath, Eve Levine, Carole Shovers

Volunteer Corp. Liaison                     Ernestine Kasriel

Board of Directors

     Term ending 2011

Marla Appel

Dorita Arnold

Julie Blasé

Jean Cooper

Ronnie Deutchman

Linda Diamond

Sylvia Friedman

Ellen Goldstein

Sydell Harris

Amy Herbert

Michelle Hirsch

Sally Kaplan

Lana Krebs

Anita Rottner

Gina Shapiro

Lauren Sidman

Karen St. Amand

Julie Srochi

Marilynn Winston

     Term ending 2012

Jeanette Arogeti

Rachiel Berger

Elaine Blumenthal

Laura Bulbin

Sharon Corenblum

Eileen Epstein

Stella Firestone

Sara Franco

Arleen Golden

Debbie Goot

Rita Klee

Amy Sue Maziar

Dedi Mohr

Johanna Norry

Kathy Rubenstein

Alison Schneider

Michelle Simon

Susan Socoloff

Robyn Spizman

Arlene Turry

Closing Comments:        

Why do we, the members of the Auxiliary, devote our time and effort to The William Breman Jewish Home during the year?  What is it about this unique and beloved institution that brings out the very best in each of us? 

The answer is so simple:  We are needed.  We care deeply.  And so we are here.

We are part of a remarkable partnership that touches the deepest essence of who we are as Jewish individuals.  Each day, remarkable things occur at the William Breman Jewish Home.  Leadership and staff members go the extra mile to respect and love our residents.  They assist each resident with dignity and compassion.  They encourage each resident to live his or her life to the fullest.  The Auxiliary is proud to stand with the staff and the leadership of the William Breman Jewish Home.  We are proud to honor and preserve this legacy of care and commitment.  The reason we exist as the Auxiliary is to support this worthwhile and vital institution and all it represents.  We simply could do no less.

Each one of you who participated in Auxiliary activities this past year deserves our heartfelt thanks.  We make the best and highest level of care available to our Jewish elderly every day, every week, every month and every year.  We support one of the finest institutions of its kind in the United States of America.  This would not happen without you, for YOU are the Auxiliary! 

Respectfully submitted,

Cheryl Kramer             Margie Stern                Alice Shapiro

Co-President                            Co-President                            President-Elect