Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2017 Pacesetter Event

Nearly 500 of Miami’s most generous Jewish philanthropists gathered recently for a powerful program at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Pacesetter Event at the Hilton Miami Downtown.

Chaired by Cathy and Max Alcalay and Nikki and Michael Simkins, the event raised more than $1.5 million for the 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. The evening included remarks from a number of community leaders, including Federation Board Chair Amy N. Dean and Federation General Campaign Chair Jeffrey Scheck. Both leaders discussed the rising tide of anti-Semitism both within the United States and around the world, and the numerous ways Federation works to combat these specific issues and help those directly affected.

Award-winning architect Daniel Libeskind gave the keynote address. Discussing his Jewish story, he explained how his parents’ survival through the Holocaust helped him understand the importance of cultural memories and how to successfully evoke these feelings within four walls. He is known for a number of influential buildings all over the world, including the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, the Jewish Museum in Berlin, and the master plan for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site in New York City.

Federation gratefully acknowledges its 2017 Proud Business Partners for their generous support of The Pacesetter 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 Carlton Fields; J.P. Morgan; and Sabadell United Bank. Pearl Sponsors were BDO; 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.