Observing social distancing because of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, guests at the JFSA/JCF Celebrating Our Past, Creating Our Future drive-in event on Nov. 17 participated from inside or near their cars, honking, cheering, and waving glow sticks. (Damion Alexander)
On Nov. 17, the Jewish Federation of Arizona/Jewish Community Foundation held its most ambitious event of the program year, bringing the community together for a drive-in event at Park Place Mall and online to celebrate Stuart Mellan, former JFSA president and CEO, and his wife, Nancy, for 25 years of service to the community. The Celebrating Our Past, Creating Our Future event also served to kick off the JFSA 2021 campaign.
Graham Hoffman, JFSA/JCF president and CEO, speaks at the event. (Damion Alexander)
JFSA/JCF President and CEO Graham Hoffman wrote about the event in an email to community members, saying, “Just in time for Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for all of the remarkable people who make up our diverse, caring, and vibrant community. Thank you for participating and reminding us of what it feels like to be together! Together, we are stronger. Together, we are better. And together, we will overcome the challenges that persist in the days and months ahead.”
The Federation’s annual campaign, as Hoffman noted, powers its work in Southern Arizona, nationally, and around the world.
Deanna Evenchik-Barr served as emcee for the event (Damion Alexander)Alice and Paul Baker, longtime friends of Nancy and Stu Mellan, took part in an on-stage chat during the drive-in event. (Damion Alexander)Stu and Nancy Mellan were honored in many ways at the event, including cookies featuring their likenesses. (Damion Alexander)JFSA Vice President for Community Planning and Engagement Aviva Zeltzer-Zubida, Ph.D., sports an “I love Stu and Nancy” decal. (Damion Alexander)(L-R) Longtime community supporter David Hameroff, JFSA Senior Vice President Fran Katz, and Jeff Katz, JCF immediate past chair (Damion Alexander)Bruce Ash, who serves as co-chair of the 2021 campaign with Karen Katz, spoke at the event. (Damion Alexander)
