The JFS Executive Luncheon: Successes, Challenges, and Lively Conversations
The JFS Executive Luncheon was the place to be on Tuesday, April 22!
Nearly 1,000 members of the Denver philanthropic community gathered to learn more about JFS, enjoy lunch, and celebrate the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Community Leadership Award presentation to our longstanding partners at the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation.
The day before the Executive Luncheon, we received notification that CNN had sent Anderson Cooper to Rome to cover Pope Francis’ death and the succession process. Therefore, Mr. Cooper was not able to appear at the event. We quickly pivoted and were fortunate to have Emmy Award-winning journalist Chuck Todd, formerly NBC News political director and the moderator of the longest-running show on television, the network’s flagship Sunday public affairs program, Meet the Press, for nearly a decade, step in as our guest. Mr. Todd and 9NEWS anchor Kyle Clark, who served as the moderator, made the event outstanding.
In their thought-provoking conversation:
Did Mr. Clark and Mr. Todd joke about telling childhood tales of growing up as a Vanderbilt? (If you know, you know.)
Did Mr. Todd share a theory that he believes youth sports are a unifier because whether you’re wearing a red or blue jersey, you just want to see your kid play?
Were there spirited moments about how local journalism at its best helps people live their lives and gives national journalists credibility, and national journalism essentially offers people what they need to know for civics—and you arguably need both, but the collapse of local media has caused problems?
Yes, yes, and absolutely yes!
One part of the conversation that particularly resonated with attendees and garnered cheers and comments after the event was when Mr. Todd shared remarks around his faith. He spoke about how he was raised to be “a quiet Jew” partially because of anti-Semitic attacks against him and his family. While he recognizes why he grew up this way, Mr. Todd believes that “the more we hide, the more we hide,” and he has tried to be less shy about it. “The more we show our pride, I think it's easier to stamp out the hate.”
Guests also heard how JFS is facing funding challenges, working on scenario planning, pivoting, and assessing what government cuts will mean to our programs. While the agency is navigating this ever-evolving landscape, we must continue to be a safety net for those who depend on us, as we have for 153 years.
We’re excited to share that we met the $60,000 onsite match from The Evelyn Shamon Trust, which was generously donated to ensure JFS is here for future generations. Evelyn Shamon served on the JFS Board of Directors for 10 years and is an honorary lifetime member—and we’re thrilled that she attended the event! Thanks to our sponsors, ticket purchases, and donations, the event raised more than $1.2 million to continue to respond to the critical needs of individuals and families when they need JFS most.
A special thank you to guests and the elected officials who attended the event, those who contributed to the generous match opportunity, and to our remarkable sponsors. The Executive Luncheon wouldn’t have been the same without you and your support. Thank you for making it an afternoon to remember.
See photos from the JFS Executive Luncheon.
Thank you to our generous sponsors
HOST - $15,000
CHAMPION - $25,000
Leanna and Jamie Harris
Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti
Mindy Levy Peckar and Steven Peckar
Jane E Rosenbaum
Cindy and Carl Rossow
Leah Weinkle and John Keith