Henry Winkler has long been rumored to be one of the nicest celebrities in Hollywood.
That's, in part, why the JUF Women's Philanthropy 2024 Lion Event chairs are thrilled that the Emmy Award-winning actor, director, producer, author, and philanthropist will headline the upcoming event.
"What a mensch--we look forward to learning about Winkler's Jewish upbringing, his rise to fame, and the stories in his new book," said Karen Budin, Lion Event Chair.
The Lion Event--to be held Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at Ateres Ayala in Skokie--is the opening event of the 2024 JUF Annual Campaign season, and honors philanthropic women who make an individual gift of $5,000 or more to the campaign.
Lion brings together "sisters and daughters, mothers and friends-- women at every stage of life and career-- whose collective involvement plays a vital role in supporting the Jewish community," said Janna Berk, Vice President, 2024 JUF Annual Campaign, Women's Board.
Coincidentally, Winkler is linked to last year's Lion Event headliner, deaf actress and activist Marlee Matlin, whom he mentored after seeing her perform in a talent show for deaf performers when Matlin was just 12.
"He continues to be like a second father since my father has passed away," Matlin told Jewish Chicago last year. "He encouraged me then to be an actor--and told me I can be whatever I want to be."
The Lion Event will be chaired by Karen Budin (Women's Board), co-chaired by Julia Klein (Young Women's Board), Debra Kramer Marcus (Women's City Council), and Shayla M. Rosen (Young Women's City Council).
To inspire future generations and to ensure the continuity of our traditions of tzedakah, attendees are invited to bring their daughters, daughters-in-law, and/or granddaughters to this event. Register at
juf.org/LionEvent
. Questions? Please contactShelbyScheck@juf.orgor 312-357-4825.
Do you, or someone you know aspire to be a Lion of Judah? If a woman agrees to increase her gift to the $5,000 Lion Level over the next 2-3 years, she can become a Step-Up Lion, and will immediately receive all the benefits of this international sisterhood.
