Page 3 - Jewish News_January-2021

FEDERATION NEWS January 2021 3A

Jonathan and Michelle Mitchell:

Putting out the welcome mat

By Marty Katz, Sr. Dir. of Communications and Marketing
hen Jonathan and Michelle they were like family. As I introduced airy Mitchell Welcome
Mitchell visited Sarasota in them to community leaders like Rab- Center. There, pre-
W2015, little did they know bi Brenner Glickman from Temple event receptions will
that their visit would lead five years Emanu-El, Federation CEO Howard be held for events in
later to them naming the Welcome Tevlowitz, and Larry Thompson, Pres- the adjacent banquet
Center at the reimagined Larry & Mary ident of Ringling College of Art + De- hall. At other times,
Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish sign, each had a connection with them the Center will be similar to a living act. What we do today will serve as the
Life. The couple announced their gift through the Jewish community in Los room with couches to sit and kibitz, sip foundation for what will be tomorrow.”
several months ago, saying, “Given the Angeles, rock music and art. We are so coffee and enjoy old and new friends To become involved in the JFED
warm welcome we received when we blessed to have them in our commu- alike. PROUD & STRONG campaign to
first arrived in this community, what nity…as leaders, supporters and good Jonathan hopes others will get reimagine The Larry & Mary Green-
could be more fitting than for us to as- friends.” involved in the new campus develop- spon Family Campus for Jewish Life,
sociate ourselves with the Federation’s Jonathan, whose extensive pro- ment because “if we care about the fu- please contact Ilene Fox at ifox@
Welcome Center?” fessional background ranges from real ture of the Jewish people, there will be jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2111, or Rich
Disheartened over what life in Los estate and financial services to private a future for the Jewish people. But car- Bergman at rbergman@jfedsrq.org or
Angeles had become, the Mitchells equities and a family foundation heav- ing alone isn’t enough. We must also 941.552.6306.
ily involved in Israel, quickly became
involved in local non-profits, specifi- Who does the Jewish community turn to for
cally Ringling College of Art + Design
and the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare the most trusted service in real estate?
Foundation. Michelle, who, in addi-
tion to being a diplomat for 20 years
and now working alongside Jonathan
in their family’s investment business
managing a geographically and in-
dustry-diverse portfolio of companies,
joined the Federation’s board in 2017.
Clearly, the couple quickly found Contributing to the
prosperity of our
Jonathan and Michelle Mitchell their philanthropic heart in Sarasota- Jewish Community
were looking for their next home. A Manatee. As an ambassador for the since 1979!
friend of Michelle’s from her past U.S. Federation, Michelle said, “I think
Foreign Service career in Abu Dhabi, it’s important for the community as a Ryan Ackerman Barbara Ackerman
UAE, told her about the little town of whole to get involved in the Federation 941.387.1818 941.780.6045
Sarasota. “We wanted someplace warm because it’s such an excellent way to #1 Small Team in Sarasota and Manatee County
and on the water with culture, friendly meet others in the community.” She www.ackermangroup.net
people, great medical care, restaurants, and her husband became interested
arts and music. Sarasota checked all in the new campus because it will be
the boxes,” related Michelle. a gathering spot for the community.
Jonathan explained, “Knowing a “This Federation is so blessed to have
city’s Jewish Federation is the home had the foresight to get this land. To
address of its Jewish community, our have a place for bar mitzvahs, bat mitz-
first act after relocating here was to vahs, community events, birthdays and PaiSanO’s 941.926.8422
call The Jewish Federation of Sara- film festivals…it will be a gathering 2732 Stickney Point Road
sota-Manatee, where we met [Major place for generations to come.” IT ALIAN B AKER Y
Gifts Officer] Rich Bergman, who be- The Welcome Center that will bear 2019
•Rugalach • Strudel
came our close friend. Rich couldn’t the Mitchell name will be the first place • R ugalach • S tr udel
aman
•
H
taschen
have been more generous with his time visitors will enter at the Morganroth •Hamantaschen
and contacts.” Event Center on the new Greenspon LOCAL
BEST
Bergman said, “From the first min- Campus. Guests will step through the BAKERY PaisanosItalianBakery.com WINNER
ute I met Jonathan and Michelle, I felt Epstein Family Chuppah into the open,

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EST. 1979

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for over 50 years 1484 Main Street | Sarasota, FL
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