Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia proudly celebrated its Lions of Judah supporters on Tuesday, May 20, at the Switch House at the Battery. The annual event, which brought together nearly 200 women, honors the impact of those who generously contribute $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign.
The evening was organized by a multigenerational team of Women’s Philanthropy leadership, including Event Co-Chairs Gail Norry and Tracey Specter, Campaign Chair Allison Goodman, Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chairs Robin Robbins and Jen Thomas, and a host committee of 75 volunteers and supporters.
This year’s celebration honored philanthropist Margie Honickman with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, which is presented biennially to a woman who has made a significant impact on the Jewish community through philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership. Honickman joined the ranks of past honorees Mary Relles, Lyn Neff, Phyllis Finkelstein, Connie Smukler, Ann Spain z’l, Lana Dishler, Beth Reisboard, Cis Golder z’l and Annabell Fishman.
“Margie represents what it means to be a Lion,” shared Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chair Robin Robbins. “She is passionate, generous, joyful and always looking for ways to make the world better.”
Event Co-Chair Tracey Specter introduced Honickman during the program and reflected on the impact of this year’s theme, “When There is Laughter, There is Life.”
“While Margie is passionate about many causes, for her, the most important part of tonight was bringing together this group of extraordinary women to laugh,” said Specter. “Laughter is healing. It’s medicine. It’s a form of resilience — and we all need it right now.”
In line with this year’s theme, guests enjoyed a stand-up performance from Jewish comedian and Emmy Award winner Judy Gold. Gold has appeared in comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. She was a part of Netflix’s “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration” and is the author of “Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble.”
Click here to view photos of the event!
Attendees gathered to celebrate women leadership and philanthropy.
Honorees with Women’s Philanthropy and Jewish Federation leadership.
Event Co-Chairs Gail Norry and Tracey Specter present Margie Honickman with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award.
Attendees enjoy stand-up comedy from Jewish comedian Judy Gold.
Honoree Margie Honickman with her family.
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A Lion of Judah is a woman who makes a generous contribution of $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Campaign. To learn more about Lion of Judah, contact Director of Women’s Philanthropy Lannie Hulnick at lhulnick@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0502
