Greater Miami Jewish Federation Women’s Event Celebrates and Inspires
Chaired by Corey Feinsilver, the event raised $1.5 million dollars for the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign to care for those in need, support vital programs and strengthen Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world. Headlining The Women’s Event was Emmy Award-winning actress Debra Messing, of Will & Grace fame, who wowed the crowd with stories of her Jewish journey and provided thoughtful answers during a Q&A session. As a member of the only Jewish family in an Irish-Catholic neighborhood, Messing grew up surrounded by a great deal of anti-Semitism. Nonetheless, her family raised her with strong Jewish traditions and values, which she maintains in Hollywood and shares with her son.
A highlight of the program was the presentation of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award to Helene Berger by Lion of Judah Co-founder Norma Kipnis Wilson and Women’s Philanthropy President Sheree Savar, in recognition of Berger’s lifelong efforts in philanthropy and volunteerism. Berger is a member of the Federation Board of Directors, serves on its Executive Committee, is a Past President of Women’s Philanthropy, and is a highly involved Jewish leader locally, nationally and internationally. Sara Bejar is Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair. 
Federation gratefully acknowledges its 2017 Proud Business Partners for their generous support of The Women’s Event. Platinum Sponsors were Bilzin Sumberg, Attorneys at Law; The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; The Miami Herald and Wells Fargo. Gold Sponsors were Akerman, City National Bank, Crystal & Company, Kaufman Rossin, Kent Security Services, Sapoznik Insurance & Associates and South Florida Legal Guide. Silver Sponsors were Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A. and NFP-The Meltzer Group. Bronze Sponsors were BDO, Carlton Fields and Sabadell United Bank. Pearl Sponsors were Dacra; Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, Certified Public Accountants; Northern Trust Bank of Florida, N.A.; Omnia Family Wealth; Perry Ellis International and Podhurst Orseck, P.A.
For more information about the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, please visit JewishMiami.org or call 305.576.4000.
