Celebrating the Spirit of Aging at The New Jewish Home Gala
The New Jewish Home proudly celebrated its 10th annual 'Eight Over Eighty' gala, an evening dedicated to honoring ten remarkable leaders who are over the age of 80. This year’s event celebrated individuals who embody the spirit of aging with purpose and creativity, showcasing their contributions to society and community.
Honorees of the Night
The prestigious gala honored notable figures including Bob and Diane Abrams, Michael Bornstein, Judy Collins, Delia Ephron, David Freeman and the Freeman Family, Carol Jenkins, Marianne Kerner, Houston Person, and Judith Viorst. Each of these individuals has made significant impacts in various fields, serving as trailblazers in the arts, journalism, and public service.
The Spirit Award Recipient
Additionally, Harold Iselin was recognized with the Spirit Award for his unwavering commitment and advocacy for The New Jewish Home’s mission. The gala was hosted by Dr. Jonathan LaPook, Chief Medical Correspondent for CBS News, who highlighted the importance of recognizing those who continue to inspire and contribute to society at an advanced age.
A Night to Remember
The event, held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, successfully raised $1.1 million for The New Jewish Home, an organization dedicated to providing health and rehabilitation care to older adults of all faiths. The funds raised at this gala will support the ongoing care and services offered by the organization to thousands of New Yorkers each year.
Bringing Lives into Focus
During the gala, emotional videos were presented, showcasing the life stories and achievements of each honoree. These powerful tributes underscored the idea that aging is not an end, but rather a continuation of a vibrant and meaningful journey. Their stories provide a vision of the future where contributions do not diminish with age but rather evolve into new forms of impact.
Graduates from SkillSpring, The New Jewish Home’s workforce development program, also shared their inspiring stories of transformation. They spoke about how the program guided them in pursuing meaningful careers, highlighting the importance of opportunity and education in shaping futures.
A Gathering of Influential Leaders
The evening was attended by many influential figures, including previous honorees such as Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Ruth Messinger, and notable community leaders who have made indelible marks in their respective fields. Their presence added a special touch to the evening, reinforcing the sense of community and shared dedication to service among all attendees.
Among those who celebrated with them were Hadassah Lieberman, Scott J. Bornstein, and prominent executives from various industries, all coming together to recognize the extraordinary contributions of those honored. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and appreciation as stories were shared and connections were made.
The Ongoing Mission of The New Jewish Home
The New Jewish Home has been serving older adults since 1848, providing essential health care and innovative programming that caters to their diverse needs. With a mission to enhance the quality of life for all older New Yorkers, the organization offers a wide range of services including rehabilitation, nursing care, adult day health services, and housing solutions.
The gala represents not just the honoring of individuals but reflects a broader commitment to fostering an environment where aging is celebrated. The New Jewish Home continues to advocate for older adults by challenging societal norms surrounding aging and promoting a future free of ageism.
The organization is connected with esteemed partners such as Mount Sinai Health System and NYU Langone Health, ensuring comprehensive care for older adults across the region. This collaboration is key to enhancing the services provided, blending compassionate care with advanced medical practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eight Over Eighty gala?
The Eight Over Eighty gala is an annual event hosted by The New Jewish Home to honor and celebrate ten distinguished individuals who are over the age of 80 for their contributions to society.
Who were the honorees at this year's gala?
This year’s honorees included Bob and Diane Abrams, Michael Bornstein, Judy Collins, Delia Ephron, the Freeman Family, Carol Jenkins, Marianne Kerner, Houston Person, and Judith Viorst.
What purpose did the gala serve?
The gala aimed to raise funds to support The New Jewish Home in providing comprehensive health care and rehabilitation services to older adults in the community.
What was the amount raised during the gala?
The event successfully raised $1.1 million to support the mission of The New Jewish Home.
How does The New Jewish Home impact the community?
The New Jewish Home enhances the quality of life for older adults through various health care services, ensuring they live meaningful and fulfilling lives while addressing their unique needs.
