Nearly 500 of Miami’s most generous Jewish philanthropists gathered for The Pacesetter Event on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Hosted by Emilio and Mimi Di Marcoberardino; Mariita and George Feldenkreis; Carolynn and Michael Friedman; Jane and Amir Gold; and Hedy and Daniel Whitebook at their private homes spanning all of Miami-Dade County, the intimate evening was a powerful reminder of the work accomplished by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation powered by the commitment of their donors. Attendees gathered in beautifully created outdoor “ballrooms” in Miami, Tahiti Beach, Miami Beach and Golden Beach. Guests were elated to be able to gather in person once again. Some participants opted to livestream the program from the comfort of their homes.

The Pacesetter Event raised more than $3 million 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. The evening featured testimonials from community leaders who witness the work of Federation on a daily basis. Federation Board Chair Isaac K. “Ike” Fisher and Federation General Campaign Chair Ariel Bentata also shared stories of Federation’s impact. In his speech, Fisher spoke about his recent visit to the border of Ukraine alongside other leaders from The Jewish Federations of North America. Federation Lifetime Board Member George Feldenkreis, Incoming General Campaign Chair Lily Serviansky and Women’s Philanthropy President Tammy Woldenberg also discussed their deep commitment to Federation and its impact on the worldwide Jewish community.

A highlight of the evening was the in-person launch of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Israel 75 Miami Mega Mission, which will take place April 20-27, 2023 to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the State of Israel. Following the announcement and special video presentation, you could feel the excitement in the air. Miami’s Jewish community cannot wait to get back to Israel!

The program featured President George W. Bush, in conversation with his daughter and cohost of the fourth hour of the Today show Jenna Bush Hager, via a private simulcast. During the 45-minute interview, President Bush was thoughtful, sincere and oftentimes funny. The pair had a candid and wide-ranging conversation that covered Bush’s time in the White House, his “second act” as a painter and the joy of being a grandfather.

Federation gratefully acknowledges its 2022 Proud Business Partners for their generous support. Platinum Sponsors are Bilzin Sumberg, Attorneys at Law; The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; LSN Partners and the Miami Herald. Gold Sponsors are Accesso; Akerman; City National Bank; GL Homes; Kaufman Rossin and Kent Security Services. Silver Sponsors are JLL; Meland Budwick, P.A.; NFP The Meltzer Group and Wells Fargo. Bronze Sponsors are Carlton Fields; Houlihan Lokey; Iberia Bank First Horizon; Omnia Family Wealth and Singer Wealth. Pearl Sponsors are Addison House; Baptist Health; BDO; Dacra; H & CO; Holland & Knight; Northern Trust Bank of Florida, N.A.; Perry Ellis International; Podhurst Orseck, P.A. and Siegfried Rivera.