There's something different about hearing a story directly from the person who lived it. Not a summary. Not a statistic. The real thing, in someone's own words.

That's what Community of Giving is built around. On Thursday, November 12, at 11:30 AM, JF&CS will gather supporters for an intimate lunch that centers the voices of clients whose lives have been touched by our services. Through an interactive experience and real conversation, you'll see what the work actually looks like, and what your generosity makes possible.

Leading this year's event are Host Co-Chairs Michelle Alperin, Leslie Isenberg, and Lani Preis. What they share is something rarer than enthusiasm: personal history with JF&CS. Michelle has watched the agency show up for her own family, and then kept showing up herself as a volunteer. "As I have been volunteering through the years," she says, "I see all that JF&CS does to help other families. It is truly heartwarming."

Leslie's connection runs just as deep. "JF&CS has been a part of our families' lives for so many years," she reflects. For her, co-chairing isn't an obligation. It's a chance to give something back to people who matter to her: "The Community of Giving event is providing me with a meaningful opportunity to give back to the agency that has done so much for those I hold nearest and dearest."

What keeps people coming back to this event year after year is something Lani puts simply: it brings people together around something real. "JF&CS has a special place in my heart," she says, "and I'm proud to support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. Community of Giving is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the impact of this work, and inspire continued generosity."

We hope you'll be part of it. Join us on November 12 for meaningful connections, honest stories, and a firsthand look at what your support makes possible.