Jewish Family Service Woman to Woman Luncheon Celebrates the Value of a “ Circle of Women ” in Life as Emphasized by Keynote Speaker Helen Hunt

Jewish Family Service's Woman to Woman Luncheon on May 25 at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, not only marked the 10th anniversary of the beloved biennial event, but it was also the first time in more than four years the group had been able to be together in a ballroom celebrating the power, influence, and impact of women.  

Abbie Kauffman, Carol Hampton
Photo Credit: Kim Leeson

JFS quickly pivoted after Kristin Chenoweth was forced to cancel due to illness.  Helen Hunt, multi-award winning actress, accomplished writer, director and producer, stepped in to take her place.

“It was a no-brainer for me once I did a shallow dive into the work of Jewish Family Service,” shared  Hunt.  She added that supporting our neighbor is what is important as is the work of JFS – to support lifelong sustainability while keeping the dignity of the client in mind.

Linda Garner (sustaining luncheon chair), Ethel Zale (founding luncheon chair), Cathy Barker (JFS CEO)

JFS Board Chair Julie Liberman kicked off the luncheon welcoming the more than 1,000 attendees and thanking the many sponsors, organizations, family and community foundations, and corporate and individual donors for their support as well as the board and staff.

Eric Goldberg (incoming board chair), Sharon Goldberg

Rabbi Shira Wallach, of Congregation Shearith Israel, offered the invocation, leading with a powerful prayer for the victims and families of the Uvalde elementary school shooting.  Woman to Woman Sustaining Chair Linda Garner and Founding Chair Ethel Zale then took the stage expressing their excitement at how much the event has grown since the first one in 2004–an event which over the years has raised more than$4.6 million, helping to triple the number of clients served.

Meital Elfasi, Gabriela Dalfen, Carly Glickman, Donna Ostrower

WFAA's Sonia Azad introduced Helen Hunt to the stage, and the two sat down for a fireside chat. When Azad asked Hunt where she found her circle of women, Hunt said, “I’ve had no trouble. If you put out cheap snacks, they show up.” She added,“My experience with other women is that we want to be there for each other–we share strength with each other.”

Fireside Chat with Sonia Azad and Helen Hunt
Photo Credit: Randy Stewart

Hunt concluded that the event had been good for her heart and soul. “To see us all gathered here together...sharing our time.”

Luncheon co-chairs were Rachel Biblo-Block, Beverly Goldman, Julie Gothard, Marcy Kahn, Julie Liberman, Staci Rubin, and Laura Weinstein.