By Jill Grossman, JCFR Director of Woman’s Philanthropy and Affinities
What a treat … a truly joyful morning!
On the first day of summer on June 21, as the Weinstein JCC opened camps, the Jewish Community Federations of Richmond’s Pearl Society and the Sisterhood met for breakfast and engaged in a roundtable discussion with Carolyn Gitlin, National Women’s Philanthropy Chair.
Twenty Lions of Judah and Pearls had the opportunity to break bread and chat with Carolyn for over an hour in the Federation’s Rosenthal Conference Room. In addition, new Pearls Molly Dickinson, Mary Krumbein and Ellie Winkelmann were formally recognized.
The Pearl Society is dedicated to women who want to make a difference in Jewish communities worldwide and who want to strengthen their Jewish connection through networking, events, and philanthropy. The Pearl Society recognizes women who make a commitment of at least $180 in their own name to the Women’s Philanthropy Campaign.
It was started in Hartford and has now become a national model for Federations across the country. The Greater Hartford Federation is home to Carolyn.
JCFR’s Sisterhood was an initiative that was born out of the desire to mentor, guide, and train our future leaders to ensure that the women who assume positions of responsibility in our community have the knowledge and confidence to lead, are appropriately trained, and have been given the tools to hone their individual abilities.
The conversation was uplifting and inspirational. The women each shared why they give their time and resources to Federation, and what inspires and motivates them. Each was excited to learn of a new initiative in JCFR’s Women’s Philanthropy, Dignity Grows, a national movement addressing period poverty and hygiene inequity. Dignity Grows began in Hartford.
JCFR’s Women’s Philanthropy thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Carolyn. For more information on Women’s Philanthropy initiatives, please contact Jill Grossman at (757) 652-2446 or jgrossman@jewishrichmond.org.
