Page 14 - Jewish News_January 2020

14A January 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

SINGLE? Volunteer Spotlight
MEET WITH SWFL'S TOP MATCHMAKER The perfect equation

Mimi began her career in Matchmaking 24
years ago under Patti Stanger, Bravo TV's By Sandy Chase
Millionaire Matchmaker. After her brief dina Schwartz has created her Jewish holidays.
stint, Mimi decided to go out on her own on perfect equation: “Female students,” Adina recalls,
a personal crusade to bring harmony, AV = C + P + R E “would remark that as their role mod-
passion, and true love to those who want to Whether she is V = Volunteering el, I convinced them that they could
live in happiness. or it’s a Vocation, her Commitment, achieve success. Other students were
Passion and Rewarding Experience are inspired that immigrants could realize
As the founder of My Top Matchmaker, Sarasota and Naples clients
experience the benefit of what the company slogan proudly bears constant. their dreams.”
Adina explains why she didn’t
Adina has repeatedly demonstrat-
"America's Top Matchmaker." ed how this equation applies to her as embrace Judaism until she moved to

Mimi brings premium advice, a magical mystical intuitive quality to a volunteer at The Jewish Federation Sarasota two years ago, after retiring.

her matchmaking, and clients love her southern charm, hospitality, of Sarasota-Manatee or as an eco- “I was too busy raising a daughter and

and kindness. Her number 1 piece of advice for Sarasota singles...? nomics professor. pursuing my teaching career to join a
"Call me." The Chair of the May 2019 Yom temple or volunteer, although occa-
Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence sionally my daughter and I attended
The Sizzle Factor Guaranteed Day) celebration, and volunteer for Jewish events in Wisconsin – hardly a
several Federation events, Adina says,
commitment.”
“Volunteering is my reward. Fulfilling Captivated by Sarasota, Adina
Mimi practices an opposites Handcrafted introductions without my life, it helps me reconnect
attract philosophy and believes it's the use of computer software. to Judaism while contribut-
friction that causes the flames to Accurate, verified profiles, screened ing to Jewish life in Sara-
ignite and firmly believes and qualified by My Top sota.”
unearthing a client's history gives Matchmaker. Teen and Family Pro-
her the fuel to feed those potential gram Coordinator Andrea
sparks, Eiffert, who worked closely
with Adina on the communi-
Pre-Date Planning Concierge ty-wide celebration, attests to
Adina’s unwavering commit-
ment. “Adina immediately
Dating Etiquette Education Dining recommendations for the accepted the invitation to
Instantaneous Talking Points first date co-chair the event, ultimately
Expert Analysis Event recommendations for becoming the chair when her
Premiere Advice second date partner couldn’t continue.
Personal Service Adina’s enthusiasm and posi-
tive attitude were infectious.
Feedback Local She cared deeply about every
detail of the event.”
Adina’s words reflect Adina Schwartz with Federation President Randon Carvel
Share your feelings with us! Enjoy Enjoy meeting quality singles in her commitment, insights and collab- says, “The rich culture and majestic
your open line of communication your community! orative spirit: “I worked closely with sunsets are phenomenal. After meet-
with your matchmaker! Andrea and Sydney Harlow, Program ing with Linda Silver, the Federation’s
Director for Gulf Coast Hillel, helping retired Chief Human Resources Offi-
Have Mimi Lee find you your perfect match.RESERVE
YOUR FREE CONSULTATION NOW! to establish the framework and logis- cer, at a volunteer recruitment event, I
Visit: MyTopMatchmaker.com OR Call: (941) 773-9527 tics.” Winking, Adina says, “It’s not knew I wanted to reconnect with Jew-
every day that the Federation invites
ish culture and the community. I was
camels.” ready to plant roots.”
Excitedly, she says, “You should’ve Linda says, “A special woman,
seen the camel races and savored such Adina’s deeply committed to her Ju-
foods like falafel, baklava and Israeli daism. As an Israeli and former IDF
pastries. We also had a shuk, where member, she’s passionate about Israel.
guests could buy Israeli delicacies and She’s done a wonderful job chairing
products. Israeli music, dances and Yom Ha’atzmaut and dedicates her
self-defense demonstrations were out- time to Just Reel Films and the Jewish
standing.” Film Festival.”
Shunning credit for success, Adi- Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
na says, “It wouldn’t have happened novation and Volunteer Engagement,
ANNUAL without Andrea’s guidance, Sydney’s and Rosann Black, Chair of Just Reel
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION support and our Jewish community Films, agree that whether it’s welcom-
partners’ exchange of ideas. Attendee ing guests, introducing films or usher-
satisfaction is paramount, and they
ing, Adina does it with all her heart.
Celebrating loved the event.” about the Federation. “Everyone wel-
Adina is exuberant when talking
Born in Bucharest, Romania, dur-
ing Communist rule, Adina – shrouded comes me at my ‘home away from
Your Legacy in fear – covertly celebrated Jewish home.’”
holidays. Having waited 12 years, she
Teaching online also enriches her
life. Adina’s email address – combin-
and her family were finally allowed
to immigrate to Israel. Seeing great ing econ with fun – gives insight into
promise, Israeli educators promoted her primary hobby. “Helping students
SAVE THE DATE Adina from the 8 to 10 grade. Upon understand how the U.S. and world
th
th
high-school graduation, she served economies work rewards me personal-
Thursday, April 2, 6:30 pm two years in the Israel Defense Forces ly. I love when students find economics
at Michael’s On East (IDF). Having earned her undergradu- exciting.” Other hobbies include read-
with ate degree in economics from Hebrew ing, exercising and walking with Lily,
University, she moved to the United her dog.
Keynote Speaker States to continue her education. Adina says, “My father gave me

Rabbi Daniel Cohen Adina remembers her graduate my freedom – telling me to do some-
studies at the University of Wisconsin- thing about it.”
Rabbi Cohen shares his unique blend of Milwaukee. “I worked as a teaching as- V = C + P + R E proves that she
wisdom and spiritual insight. He is the sistant to pay for tuition until I became has.
author of What Will They Say About You an economics professor for Lakeland If you are interested in volunteering,
When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of University in Wisconsin, associated there are many ways to contribute and
Legacy, and Senior Rabbi of Congrega-
tion Agudath Sholom in New England. with the United Church of Christ.” be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
The only Jew – and woman – in eration. For more information, please
the business-administration division, contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
Adina explains how she’d share high- novation and Volunteer Engagement,
lights of Judaism, offering her students at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.
QUESTIONS?
Event Chair: apples and honey and other foods for
Nelle S. Miller Contact Gisele Pintchuck
941.707.0029 or
gpintchuck@jfedsrq.org FAMILY

jfedsrq.org

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.