Beth Krinsky, second from left, standing, received the Woman of Distinction award at the 11th annual Main Event on April 30. She is surrounded by son Pery, left, husband Joel, and daughter Tamara, and, seated, daughter-in-law Sara Kay, left, and mother Rosalind Davidson.
Photos by Jill Huber
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May 12, 2009
More than 150 members of Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County attended the 11th annual Main Event at Congregation Magen David in Deal on April 30 for an evening of fun, fashion, and generous giving.
Although the final amount is still being tabulated, approximately $246,000 was raised for the federation’s ongoing 2009 annual campaign, according to Andrea Alexander, director of the federation’s Manalapan office.
“We came together as a community of women for fun and fund-raising,” said Robin Parness Lipson of Morganville, who cochaired the event with Dawn Barofsky of Wayside. “We’re doing our part to make the Jewish community a warm and welcoming place for those less fortunate.”
The funds raised at each Main Event support a variety of projects, including medical, social, and educational services for children and adults; activities for special-needs children; home delivery of kosher meals for senior citizens; chaplaincy programs; assistance for Holocaust survivors; resettlement in Israel of Jews from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia; and assistance to Israeli victims of terror and war.
Over $7,500 was raised for Etgar, a new program being offered by Jewish Family and Children’s Services to provide assistance to families with children who are challenged by physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities.
The 2009 event included a new twist: Instead of a celebrity guest speaker, attendees were treated to a high-tech fashion show, as seven women from the local community paraded down a colorfully lit runway in the center of the dining room. Fashions for women of all ages and sizes were provided by The Boutique in Freehold and Balizza of Red Bank.
Robin Parness Lipson, left, and Dawn Barofsky cochaired the Main Event.
The evening’s models were JoAnn Abraham and Kelly Littman of Manalapan, Fran Lisser of Marlboro, Lisa D’Acunto of Colts Neck, Marcie Lynch and Holly Weiss of Freehold, and Jen Labaton of Ocean Township.
“We wanted to modernize the event and bring it a touch of sophistication and flare,” said Barofsky. “We thought it was time for something new, fresh, and fun, and the presence of all the women here tonight speaks volumes about their commitment and generosity.”
‘Positive change’
The evening took an emotional turn as Beth Krinsky of Manalapan was presented with the Woman of Distinction Award for her longtime commitment to the Jewish community and the State of Israel.
“This is very special,” Krinsky told NJ Jewish News before the presentation. “Volunteerism is at the heart of a community — it’s what keeps it running and able to do what it needs to do for its people.”
She said her family — husband Joel, son Pery, daughter Tamara, their spouses, and her mother, Rosalind Davidson — has been her greatest source of inspiration.
“My daughter is a blessing in my life,” said Davidson, who traveled from her Atlanta home to attend the event.
Kelly Littman of Manalapan strikes a pose on the runway during the Main Event fashion show.
Krinsky’s devotion to Jewish causes began when she was 12. Her father and three of her grandparents died during an 18-month period, and Krinsky found solace in her synagogue, which offered sanctuary and comfort during a tragic time, she said.
A trip to Israel when she was 17 solidified her commitment.
“In Israel, I felt the heartbeat and spirit of our people,” Krinsky told the audience. “I learned how strong Israel can be during times of peril. No one is ever alone in the Jewish community, and because of my mother’s caring and love, I feel that being Jewish means that we reach out to our community here and abroad.
“I’m so proud of my children and their quest to lead meaningful lives,” continued Krinsky, who is senior vice president of Weichert Commercial Brokerage in Edison. “And I’m blessed to have Joel — my soul mate — in my life. He is a source of inspiration every day.”
The outpouring of generosity at each Main Event will benefit Jewish lives for years to come, said Women’s Philanthropy president Lauren Reich of Manalapan.
“We’re doing our part to make the world a better place,” she said. “We are a sisterhood devoted to positive change.”
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