Giffords honored with Jewish Heritage Award
More than 250 people turned out as the Jewish History Museum honored Gabrielle Giffords with the 2013 Jewish Heritage Award on Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Marriott University Park. Barry Friedman, JHM president (pictured at right), presented the award to Giffords as her husband, Mark Kelly, looked on. Rabbi Stephanie Aaron spoke of Giffords’ influence on the community nurtured by her Jewish ancestry. Kelly spoke about marrying a “Jewish cowgirl” and how her drive and perseverance has not only helped her recovery since being shot on Jan. 8, 2011, but has set the direction for her work today with the couple’s nonprofit, Americans for Responsible Solutions. Giffords spoke briefly, thanking everyone for the award and said, “I am getting stronger and better every day.” JHM Executive Director Eileen Warshaw presented volunteer of the year awards to Leonard Stenberg and Edith Makler.
You Gotta Have HeART
The Northwest Division of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona’s fundraiser, “You Gotta Have HeART,” drew a crowd of more than 120 on Thursday, Nov. 14. Tedd Goldfinger, M.D.,
a local cardiologist, spoke on the health benefits of red wine. Wine and heart-healthy Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres were served. Live and silent auctions, featuring pieces donated by local artists along with other prizes, raised close to $5,000. The event also served to celebrate the 100th birthday of Irving Olson, an artist and patron of the Jewish Federation-Northwest, pictured with his daughter, Caroline Stelman. Olson’s son and other family and friends were also in attendance.
