About Our Events

About Our Events

Campaign Events

The Women's Division has several fundraising events throughout the year that contribute significant funds to JUF's Annual Campaign. These events emphasize the importance of individual giving and have varying minimum giving levels.

Women's Division Lion Luncheon (co-chaired with the Women's Board, Young Women's Board, Women's City Council and Young Women's City Council) celebrates those who give an individual women's gift of $5,000 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers include: Bari Weiss, acclaimed New York Times Writer and Author of How to Fight anti-Semitism; Lara Logan, 60 Minutes Correspondent and CBS News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent; and Michael Solomonv, Inspiring James Beard Award Winning Israeli Chef and Restaurateur, know for his landmark Philadelphia restaurant, Zahav.

Women's Board & Women's City Council Grand Event celebrates those who give an individual women's gift of $1,000 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers Include: Molly Bloom, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author of Molly's Game; Jennifer Weiner, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author; and Milana Vayntrub, Comedian, Director, Actress and Founder of #CantDoNothing.

Women's Division Spring Event (co-chaired with the Women's Board, Young Women's Board, Women's City Council and Young Women's City Council) celebrates those who give an individual women's gift of $365 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers include fashion designer, talk show host, author and judge for Project Runway: All Stars, Isaac Mizrahi, American businesswoman, writer, and former model, Ivanka Trump and classical musician, Itzhak Perlman. Past speakers include: Idina Menzel, Grammy and Tony Award Winner, Actress, Singer and Songwriter; Ben Platt, Grammy and Tony Award Winner; and Andy Cohen, Bestselling Author and Emmy Award-Winning Host and Executive Producer of Watch What Happens Live.

Young Women's Board Valor celebrates those who give an individual women's gift of $750 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers include: Patti Stanger, The Millionaire Matchmaker; Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist, Author, Entrepreneur and Founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Beauty Evolution; and Rebecca Minkoff, Industry Leader in accessible luxury handbags, footwear, apparel and accessories.

Empower (co-chaired with JUF Professionals Network and Young Women's City Council) is an exclusive event for women to connect, network and be inspired. This event celebrates those who give a gift of $250 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Last year's speaker was Alli Webb, Founder and CEO if Drybar. 

Community Outreach and Education

Our Women's Division outreach events are designed to reach out to women throughout the Chicagoland area and educate attendees on JUF's vital efforts to help Jews and non-Jews in Chicago, Israel and around the world as well as educate them on other current topics.

Gatherings for Outreach (GO!) is a Women's Board community initiative designed to educate women about the work of the JUF Women's Board while exploring relevant topics, family issues and current events. We aim to heighten Jewish identity and enable event attendees to engage with like-minded women in the community.  

Young Women's Board Perspectives programs are designed to introduce young women to JUF and one another, as well as to learn how they can impact our Jewish community. 

Young Women's Board FLEX (Future Leader's Educational eXperience) is an educational program and leadership series designed to introduce young women to JUF and its impact on the Chicago Jewish community and its agencies. It is an interactive experience that will open their eyes to the vital work and support JUF provides. 

Women's City Council Connections is geared toward women living in the city looking to learn more about JUF as well as to meet like-minded women. Past events have featured The Hungry Hound, Steve Dolinsky, and reality star and chef, Stephanie Goldfarb and Chicago restauranteurs, Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate and Ina Pinkney of Ina's.

Young Women's City Council Outreach Events broaden our reach to newly involved young women who live in the city. Past speakers include PurposeGirl founder, positive psychology expert and Sirius XM's "Happiness Guru", Carin Rockind.