BOCA RATON – On Sunday, March 11, special friends and clients of the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) celebrated the 26th year ofthe truly noteworthy organization.
The festivities chaired by Judy Levis Markhoff were held at Boca West Country Club. More than 400 guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail hour, spectacular silent & live auctions and an elegant dinner. Boca Magazine, Capital Grille and Bloomingdales served as 2012 Gala partners.
WPTV News Channel 5 Anchor Michael Williams led the program featuring a special video showcasing the opportunities that JARC provides for men and women with disabilities in the community. The evening was made memorable by Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin this year’s keynote speaker. .
Dr. Debra Hallow, executive director, received a tribute for her 18 years of service and dedication to this organization. Her accomplishments were recognized with a presentation from JARC Board President Ron Siegel and Markhoff.
This year, JARC introduced the “Grant Challenge”. The challenge’s purpose is to raise funding for a wheelchair accessible van valued at between $30-40,000. Lisa and Joseph Bensmihen matched $10,000 in donations to enable JARC to purchase the van. Long time JARC supporters, Martin& Edith Stein gifted $18,000 to this endeavor.
“The gala, our most recent fundraising event, was most successful due to the efforts of people like Judy Levis Markhoff who not only chaired the event but generously underwrote the gorgeous centerpieces and our fabulous keynote speaker.
Ellen Gechter, gala auction chair, coordinated the logistics of the live and silent auctions and created the silent auction baskets. “The baskets displayed were a beautiful showcase,” stated Dr. Hallow.
The Jewish Association for Residential Care is a nonsectarian organization which provides group homes, apartments and vocational training for adults with development disabilities. The mission in partnership with the families of the clients is to promote independence, dignity and self-respect in order to create more fulfilling lives.