By Jill Grossman, JCFR Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Affinities
If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased. – Maya Angelou
Over 100 women in our community attended the L’Dor V’Dor Woman of Valor Award Ceremony where Sara Waskin was presented with this year’s honor. Barbara Shocket, Sara’s mother and previous L’Dor V’Dor honoree, awarded Sara with a gorgeous jeweled Tzedakah box.
Sisters and daughters, mothers and friends, change makers and community shapers gathered at Crossroads Art Center to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Co-chairs Hedy Lapkin and Molly Dickinson, along with Women’s Philanthropy Chair, Jill Goldfine, created a special program in recognition of Sara being honored for this most deserving award. Sara has carried on her mother’s dedication to Chassed with her commitment to Federation, the Weinstein JCC, Temple Beth-El, Hadassah, and JWI to name a few.
Hedy, a previous L’Dor V’Dor Woman of Valor Award recipient, introduced the program with a beautiful poem, ‘Who Am I’, written by Berta Laster.
Jill Goldfine eloquently spoke about Women’s Philanthropy. In her remarks, Jill spoke of the Sisterhood of Women, knowing and understanding deeply the breadth of issues facing our community and doing whatever it takes to help. Sara exemplifies this in everything she does. As Sara says, ‘Be a part of the solution!’.
New Lions of Judah and Pomegranates were pinned followed by the Lions of Judah Endowed (obm) candle lighting ceremony.
Vicki Agron
Keynote speaker, Vicki Agron, started her day in Richmond leading a conversation with development professionals. Vicki, who is a national Jewish leader and a senior development professional, had lunch and spoke with JCFR Women’s Philanthropy Board where Sara was guest of honor. Vicki wrapped up her day speaking at L’Dor V’Dor. Vicki moved the crowd with her candor, inspiring generations. Her Top 10 Parenting Tips has been the most email request following the event!
YOU, the women of Richmond, have taught and modeled for me what it means to be a strong, passionate, righteous, and generous Jewish leader. I watch you with your parents and children, your friends – both Jewish and secular, and how you give of your time, talent, and treasure to community, through Federation. It is in watching each of you lead, show compassion, and think big that has taught me so much about the power of community. You have heard me say often, The Women of Richmond Rock! We don’t just stand by and watch… we go make things happen. Big and small. It’s the little things, every day. – Jill Grossman
In her remarks, Jill Grossman, Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Affinities, JCFR, introduced The Lion Behind the Pin, an initiative providing the vehicle to craft your story and share your personal values, core principles, and philosophical ideals.
Molly Dickinson closed the program with a sweet message of inspiration, to do your share of the work in your own way, and to carry this with you throughout the year until our next L’Dor V’Dor celebration.
Thank you to all who attended the event, made gifts, and sent tributes and photos in honor of Sara. Photos from L’Dor V’Dor, along with written tributes, will be turned into a book for Sara.
Save the Date: Lion Behind the Pin kick-off event, September 10, noon.
For more information about The Lion Behind the Pin and JCFR Women’s Philanthropy, contact Jill Grossman at jgrossman@jewishrichmond.org.
All photos by Adrienne Winkelmann Epstein
See more photos from the event!
