More than one hundred women gathered for the year's final Women’s Philanthropy event  “An Evening with Deborah Szekely”. The program, headed by Women’s Philanthropy Board Education and Engagement co-chairs Silvana Christy, Karen Kogut and Danielle Miller, was attended by three generations of women.

In her cozy address, the 92-year-old founder of Rancho la Puerta and the Golden Door shared her philosophy of “aging by choice”, which comprises healthy eating, exercise, and choosing to be active and aware.

Guided by her statement, “I don’t have time to get old”, Szekely's life vividly portrays the evening’s theme, "Stay Healthy, Be Active, Get Involved”. She recounted her remarkable life’s story, starting from her childhood in Brooklyn as the daughter of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, to her decades-long pioneering work as a proponent and activist for wellness.

Attendees also heard from Sarah Nee, a beneficiary of Federation’s partners, who shared her own story and expressed her gratitude to Federation for its commitment to creating a caring community. Women’s Philanthropy board chair Leigh Johnson reiterated the key role that Women’s Philanthropy plays in carrying out Federation’s vision to create and sustain a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring community.

Women’s Philanthropy veterans as well as first-timers enjoyed the opportunity to meet and to learn about wellness, our Jewish community, and the important impact of Federation.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers, and Dona and Charles Sher to hosting us in their beautiful home.

 

Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair Leigh Johnson