FY17 Annual Report

WE BELIEVE Jerry: “The JCC has played a role for so long in our lives. We joined the JCC in 1986, and my wife, Diane, took our young children to their first music class here with Miss Beth, and she immediately felt connected.” Diane: “Some of my closest friends came from that music class. Our children still have some of their friends from the JCC preschool, which helped build their Jewish foundation.” Jerry: “I started playing softball here, then that led to a position on the Board and from there I served as President. Both my mother and Diane’s mother are vibrant members of the amazing Senior Adult Program, and my brother, Larry, serves as a volunteer which has opened a whole new world for him –- helping people every day. You can see why the JCC means so much to us. Then and now, when you walk down the halls, everyone is always so warm and friendly.” Diane: “We have always supported the JCC because of all that it has meant and still means to us, and we want to ensure that other Jewish families can enjoy the JCC just as we have for years to come.” Jerry: “When the JCC began their Now Is the Time fundraising campaign after the bomb threat, we knew we needed to do our part to keep the JCC strong during a difficult time. Our dental practice, Kenilworth Dental Associates, pledged a dollar-for-dollar match as part of the Now Is the Time drive. As a business in the community, it was so important to support the JCC at that time. We believe a strong JCC equals a strong community and we are happy to be able to do our part.” – Diane and Jerry Forman, DMD, Past President Kenilworth Dental Associates “Of all the worthy causes that our family chooses to support, the J feels most like family . It is our time to stand on the shoulders of the founders and help the J to realize its mission in perpetuity.” – Sue and Eli Rauch Gitterman Wealth Management, LLC It is those who believe in our JCC and are committed to supporting us that make the JCC the great place it is. “Twenty-three years ago, my family moved to Scotch Plains. One of the primary reasons we chose Scotch Plains was because of the JCC. I immediately joined a mommy group and an exercise group, and it was through those groups that I met a group of woman who to this day are my dearest friends. Together, we have watched our children grow up, have shared many milestones and have supported our JCC. As a fixture in our lives, the JCC has provided us with tradition , has cared for the needs of my community, has taught my children the importance of giving back and has enriched us through their programming. I love being involved in the JCC and helping to bring Jewish community together. I’m a long-time realtor and passionate about how important community is in making a home-buying decision. I ensure that all my clients are aware of the JCC so they can share the benefits that I have enjoyed all these years. That’s why I support the JCC both personally and professionally.” – Jill Horowitz Rome, JCC Board Member Coldwell Banker “Our relationship with the JCC started when a few Tiffany customers asked me if I would become involved with the JCC. We said “yes” and I’m glad we did; it’s definitely a mutually beneficial relationship. We have common customers, and we share a community. We do everything from sponsoring events like Touch a Truck, the Winter Fundraiser and Poker to administering flu shots and working with the JCC’s Senior Adult Program. We’re an independent business so community is very important to us. The JCC is geared toward well-being so there are many synergies between what we do and what the JCC does. I was part of a community center when I was growing up, and I really appreciated it. I’m happy a place like the JCC still exists and think it’s important to help support it so it can continue to do what it does – the JCC is a welcoming, inclusive center regardless of religion, background, ethnicity, etc.” – Brian Pinto Tiffany Pharmacy, Westfield