Page 12 - Jewish News_Oct2021

12A October 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight

The circle won’t be broken

By Sandy Chase
ovid might have attempt- Jeremy responds, “I’ve been look- Nadia continues, “It’s been a joy ning. “Nadia is a special, kind and
ed to weaken the Women’s ing forward to working with Nadia working with dedicated, insightful thorough person. Dedicated to Jewish
Giving Circle (WGC) and because of her focused, creative flair.” members and staff. We appreciate that causes, she works diligently to make
Cundermine the 2021 Mort Resolutely, Nadia says, “It’s criti- our community looks forward to our whatever project she works on suc-
Skirboll (z”l) Jewish Film Festival cal to retain and encourage new mem- film selections.” cessful.”
(JFF). But volunteers like Nadia Rit- bers. We’re hoping to plan ‘live’ social
ter are determined to restore energy events, including an open house to in-
to these two programs of The Jewish form, excite and unite current and new
Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. members.” (Safety will be considered
Since making Sarasota her home, before holding any in-person events.)
Nadia has been dedicated to Federation What excites Nadia is “expanding
and its mission of providing for Jewish the use of Zoom calls and videos with
people in need and supporting Israel. organizations in Israel, allowing mem-
Nadia says, “Shortly after moving bers to learn firsthand how our finan-
here part time, I was impressed by how cial support really makes a difference.”
Federation was a welcoming, dynamic, Her words, backed by action, say
vital organization committed to com- it all. “I felt grateful to join WGC. I’ve
munity and Israel. I wanted to become always cared deeply for Israel. Help-
involved, so I joined the JFF. I was also ing its women and children in crisis is
asked to chair the Women’s Seder.” meaningful and rewarding.”
Nadia intends to devote herself to Senior Philanthropic Office Ilene
her new position as WGC chair, say- Fox defines Nadia as an invaluable
ing, “Founded and led by Karen Bern- role model. “Federation is fortunate
stein and Ros Mazur, and continued that Nadia gives her time, talent and
by Adrea Sukin and Debbie Yonker, experience to our programs. Her lead-
this program consists of philanthrop- ership, follow through and passion for Nadia Ritter with her son’s family – Hudson, Carly, Eric and Sienna
ic, like-minded women who help fund our mission will inspire current and Although Covid interfered with At a young age, Nadia became en-
Israeli organizations serving at-risk future WGC members.” Federation using local theatre venues, amored with Israel. The catalyst may
women and children.” Contributing her time to JFF, al- JFF entertained Sarasota-Manatee, re- have been “my becoming intrigued
Looking forward to collaborating most from its inception, Nadia explains sorting to video screening and creative with the pioneer spirit, living on a kib-
with Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In- how under its first chair, Roz Gold- programming. butz or loving Exodus,” she says, grin-
novation and Volunteer Engagement, berg, it has evolved from a small group “Honored to be co-chairing clos- ning.
Nadia says, “Fewer members support- screening and critiquing films together, ing night with Sandy Hayden, we hope After graduating from Ohio State,
ed WGC this past year, most likely be- planning simple receptions and show- to continue that legacy, designing an earning an English and speech degree,
cause of pandemic concerns, resulting ing movies at Federation and local in-person event,” Nadia says. she followed her dream: volunteering
in fewer funds for granting.” synagogues. Sandy envisions a memorable eve- continued on next page

YOU’RE INVITED TO AJC’S 2021

CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DINNER!

HONORING

MARK PRITCHETT

President | CEO

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. • Michael’s On East

DINNER CHAIRS

David and Edie Chaifetz

Larry and Debbie Haspel
Joel and Gail Morganroth

TO RSVP AND FOR INFORMATION

Brian Lipton, AJC Regional Director:
941.365.4955 or liptonb@ajc.org

At American Jewish Committee (AJC), the health and safety of our guests attending in-person events
is paramount. This invitation is being extended to Vaccinated Individuals. Appropriate precautions in
light of COVID-19 will be taken, including limited capacity, physical distancing, and other measures as

necessary. Guests will also have the option of Indoor or Outdoor Dining!

| AJC.ORG