Youngest Lion of Judah Pinned at Annual Luncheon Event!

Molly Elizabeth Green, the youngest Lion of Judah in this area - and possibly in the country - was pinned in a surprise announcement at this year’s Jewish Federation of Pinellas/Pasco Counties Lion Luncheon on November 28^th.  Lions of Judah are those women who make a gift of at least $5,000 to the Federation Annual Campaign.

 The luncheon took place at the waterfront home of Carol Lane, overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Hosted by Carol, her mother Thelma Rothman and her sister Margie Green, 36 Lions and other guests enjoyed catering by The Wine Cellar.

Molly, at four and a half months old, is a fourth generation Lion of Judah. She was presented by her mother, Marisa Green - also announced as a new Lion – and pinned by great-grandmother Thelma Rothman, with grandmother Margie Green and great-aunts Carol Lane and Nancy Wygle nearby.

Wygle provided the 2^nd surprise announcement of the day, as she honored her family tradition by stepping up to become a Lion of Judah. This family is among those who set the example of L’dor V’dor – from generation to generation, demonstrating the nature of leadership by example.

Barbara Baccari, Lion of Judah Campaign Chair and event Master of Ceremonies, assisted by Jeanie Abelson, announced and pinned three more of the six newest Lions: Patti Novack, Tiffanie Lopatin and Jean Wittner.

Six new Lions were ceremoniously pinned at the Luncheon (left to right): Marisa Green, Molly Green (held by Marisa), Patti Novack, Tiffanie Lopatin, Jean Wittner, Nancy Wygle

Deena Silver, Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair, spoke about her experience in Ethiopia this summer, witnessing first hand the miracles Federation helps create. This theme was expanded upon by special guest speaker Lori Klinghoffer, National Women’s Philanthropy Chair. Lori has traveled extensively on national and community missions, most recently to Ethiopia, Israel, Poland and the Ukraine. She shared stories that brought home the impact of Federation and United Jewish Communities fundraising efforts.

Concluding the program, Mindy Solomon, Lion of Judah Endowment Chair, explained the need for Lions to create a lasting legacy by endowing their campaign gifts today. She spoke of the tragic passing of Shara Himmel, a young lady committed to her Judaism and the community, reminding all that honoring the past and ensuring the future of women’s philanthropy is in their hands.

The Luncheon raised $87,115 for Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy, bringing the total of pledges made by Lions to the 2008 campaign to $373,495. For more information about Lion of Judah or Women’s Philanthropy, please call Barbara Kessler, Jewish Federation Women’s Campaign Associate, 727-530-3223 or email bkessler@jewishpinellas.org