Seize the Dream Honorees
Seize the Dream (JFS’ annual fundraising gala) honors area leaders and volunteers who have demonstrated an unfailing commitment and personal dedication to supporting vulnerable children, families, and older adults in the local community and beyond.
Over the years, JFS has had the privilege to recognize the exceptional individuals and organizations named below whose partnership has been vital in ensuring that JFS has the resources and expertise it needs to respond when our neighbors come to us for help.
Thank you to these distinguished honorees for their partnership with JFS, and for all they do to accelerate social, academic and health equity in our community!
2026 Joni and Reid Fishman; Rob Andrews
2025 Debbie Gotbetter and the Leadership Team of Temple Beth Elohim’s Immigration Justice Group (IJG) – Michael Gilman, Jessica Lasser, Lina Musayev, Ed Shapiro, and Susan Sidel;
Middlesex Savings Bank and Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation
2024 Martin Cohen; Yale Appliance Company and Yale Appliance Foundation
2023 Gail and David Milowe; Ed E. Zuker/Chestnut Hill Realty
2022 Ken and Jodi Bring; Allan and Rebecca Chasen
2021 Chester and Diane Black
2020 Robert Fields/CommCreative; Marc Jacobs; Barbara and Samantha Shapiro
2019 Dana and Josef Volman; Aron Ain/Kronos Incorporated
2018 Dana and Daniel Finn; Allison and Brad Kates; Andrew Tarsy
2017 Michelle Paster and Josef Blumenfeld; Artemis Joukowsky III
2016 Marsha and Harvey Chasen; Dena and Michael Rashes
2015 Barbara and Ellis* Morris; Karen and Michael Tichnor
2014 Leslie and Jonathan Gerber; Ellie and Barry Shrage; Robin Welch
2013 Rabbi Herman Blumberg; Sari Anne Rapkin
2012 Reva Tankle and John McArthur
2011 Fran and David* Elovitz & Family; Lawrence Lowenthal Ph.D.*
2010 Kathryn Covarrubias; Lou Kates; Cynthia Shulman*
2009 Myra Kraft*; Deborah Horwitz; Marcia Rosenberg; Senator Karen Spilka
2008 Alan and Judith Bernstein
2007 Aron and Susan Ain
2006 Joe Press*
2005 Alan Solomont
2004 Marie* and Stewart* Cohen
2003 Elaine and Burt Marmer; Jim Gordon
2002 Ery and Laura Magasanik
2001 Steven and Renée Finn
2000 Judi Raphael; Ben and Karen Greenberg
1999 Harold Tubman
1998 Carl and Carol Chudnofsky
1997 Paul* and Marcia Rosenberg
1996 Leon* and Judy Pinstein
1995 Ron Isaacson
1994 Neal and Peter Yaffe
1993 JFS, in honor of its Bar Mitzvah
1992 Donald and Ellen Bloch
1991 Max* and Julia* Michelson; Sumner Feldberg
* Z”L
Recent Videos
Finding Home Through JFS Home-Share: A Story of Friendship & Belonging
The JFS Home-Share program helps match individuals seeking affordable housing with homeowners who have a compatible living space to share. Beyond providing stable housing, the program fosters companionship, independence, and lasting connections that enrich the lives of everyone involved. Whether you’re looking for housing, have space to share, or simply want to learn more about the life-changing impact of Home-Share, we invite you to watch this remarkable story.
Celebrating Partnership, Compassion & Community Impact | Honoring Rob Andrews
At the 2026 Seize the Dream celebration, JFS of Metrowest honored Rob Andrews with the Max Michelson Humanitarian Award for his compassion, leadership, and partnership in welcoming immigrant and refugee families. His extraordinary efforts have helped create a stronger, more compassionate community for families starting anew.
From Crisis to Stability: How JFS, CJP and Community Partners Help Families Thrive
When Shari faced job loss, housing instability, and financial hardship, JFS and its community partners helped her find stability, hope, and a path forward. Watch her story and see how collaboration changes lives.
Recent News
A Simple Guide to Starting the Advance Care Planning Conversation
Thinking about future health care decisions isn't always easy—but having the right resources can make the process feel much more manageable. As part of our ongoing commitment to helping individuals and families prepare for the future, JFS is pleased to share...
Finding Home Through JFS Home-Share: A Story of Friendship & Belonging
The JFS Home-Share program helps match individuals seeking affordable housing with homeowners who have a compatible living space to share. Beyond providing stable housing, the program fosters companionship, independence, and lasting connections that enrich the lives of everyone involved. Whether you’re looking for housing, have space to share, or simply want to learn more about the life-changing impact of Home-Share, we invite you to watch this remarkable story.
Aging Alone? You Don’t Have to Navigate It by Yourself
More older adults than ever are aging without the consistent support of nearby family members. Whether by choice or circumstance, many people are living independently later in life while navigating healthcare decisions, changing physical needs, and the everyday...