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!

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