Born and raised in Richmond, Lynn Ackman Burris was an active member of the Jewish community throughout her youth.
After some time away in which she graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Political Science followed by a brief stint in Miami, she returned to Richmond to settle down.
Since her return she has proven to be an active participant in Richmond’s Jewish community as a dedicated member of Beth Ahabah, a regular volunteer at the Jewish Food Festival, and a new member of the Board of Hebrew Oakwood Cemetery.
In 2021, after many years running her family’s real estate business, Ackman Realty, Lynn hired a management company to handle the business in her stead and has since taken up work at the Acca Shrine Center in Richmond’s Northside.
She is excited about the opportunity to work with Shriners in support of raising money for their mission of providing healthcare to children.
Their work is personal for her.
“My niece,” she explains, “had a spinal fusion at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, one of the two hospitals that Acca supports. Our members have two vans that they use to transport patients and their families to both the Philly hospital and the Shriners Children’s in Greenville, South Carolina. It’s an honor to be able to help provide that support to other families in need.”
Lynn is the events and rental coordinator, leasing The Shrine Center’s ballroom and other event spaces.
“The ballroom is such a lovely space. We have a full-sized stage, a movie theater sized screen, big disco ball – everything that you need for a great party,” she enthuses.
For a smaller, more casual group, The Shrine Center holds an Activity Center, which features extra large doors on two sides that slide wide open to a deck and grove of trees.
“The Activity Center,” she continues, “has its own kitchen and is great for a smaller celebration. I’ve even rented it for a few weddings where the couple has had the ceremony outside in the grove and the party inside, it all flows together with the large open doors.”
The Acca Shrine Center offers a great amount of flexibility, with an option to bring your own caterer and provide your own alcohol.
“I can’t wait to host my first B’nai Mitzvah here, it has been several years since I planned the celebrations for my own three children but it’s just like riding a bike!”
Lynn is well connected within the events industry and is close with many of Richmond’s Kosher caterers.
For a tour, call (804) 264-0509.
