More than 100 people helped raise more than $30,000 at Jewish Family Services’ Annual Celebration held on June 6, 2013 at Shabbos House, reported event chair Karen Setzen.
At the event Jerry and Ilene Sykes received the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award, which bestows the agency’s highest honor for outstanding leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of adults, children and families in our community. See electronic photo album below.
Longtime friend Dick Kotlow gave remarks about the Sykes saying, “Their commitment to the community encompasses both the Jewish Community and many other organizations of the Greater Capital District.”
In accepting their award, Jerry Sykes said that he and Ilene learned generosity from their parents: “Ilene and I both grew up with parents who gave time, energy and money to support their synagogues as well as many other charitable causes in their communities and they always encouraged us to follow their lead.”
Ilene and Jerry owned and operated The Party Warehouse since 1989. During those 24 years, both through their business and personally, they enthusiastically supported many not for profit organizations throughout the Capital District.
In addition Ilene and Jerry served on numerous Boards of Directors. Ilene is Past President of the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, Congregation Beth Emeth, and Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. She is currently President of Hillel at the University of Albany and sits on several other boards. Jerry is Past President of the New York State Museum Institute and past Board member of Capital Repertory Theatre and Saint Anne’s Institute. He currently is on the Endowment Board of Governors of Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and is a board member of the Daughters of Sarah Foundation and Shabbos House.
About Jewish Family Services
JFS provides compassionate, healing services that enrich the community and improve people’s lives. JFS services are infused with Jewish values and help strengthen individuals, families and our community.
Our highly skilled staff provides individualized care for children, teens, adults, older adults and families. We are a non-profit agency that provides services which help nearly 3,000 people each year, through counseling, court evaluations, anger management groups, supervised visitation and parenting services—plus a range of supportive and wellness services for seniors and their families. For more information on Jewish Family Services, please call 518-482-8856 or visit www.jfsneny.org.
Photo Credit: Brianna Melanson