The year of the Lions

By Rosalee Bogo, Annual Community Campaign Chair; Women’s Philanthropy Chair

What a season the Greater Naples Lions of Judah experienced. Lions of Judah are women who make a $5,000+ yearly gift to the Annual Campaign. With this commitment, these women make a difference as they engage in making the world a better place. Lions of Judah build and support Jewish life for today and generations to come.

In January, the Lions of Judah and other major donors gathered in the new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center for a seated dinner to thank and honor this select group. Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America, was the featured speaker. This evening was even more special as it was the first large event in our new Federation home.

Lions at lunch

On Jan. 22, our Women of Philanthropy gathered for a beautiful luncheon in Schiff Hall to honor women who donate to the Annual Campaign. Gail Smith and Estelle Price, Lion of Judah chairs, and Peggy Brown, chair of the Pomegranates, were in charge of the luncheon arrangements.

Dr. Jacquelyn Faffer, president/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples, shared stories of how the monies our Federation gave helped seniors and other victims of Hurricane Ian. Funds are allocated annually to the senior center for specific programing and to help Holocaust survivors in our community.

Rosalee Bogo, Gail Smith, Ellaine Rosen and Estelle Price

Anne Levin, Felicia Anchor and Phyllis Strome

Later in March, 40 of our Lions gathered for a proper English tea with all the accompanying accoutrements. This was another event planned to show appreciation to this group for their generosity to our Greater Naples Federation. The event’s entertainment was Mikki Williams, a global celebrity speaker, member of the Speaker Hall of Fame and a TEDx speaker. Williams was honored as Outstanding Woman of the Decade by the United Nations. Her humor and life stories brought a variety of emotions to the group. It was a memorable event.

Naples Art Institute’s newest exhibit of Frida Kahlo by Isabelle de Borchgrave was attended by a number of Lions on April 22. Ellaine Rosen, a local Lion, served as docent for the group and shared many “behind-the-scenes” facts, making the tour even more special. Following this, the women gathered at Vergina restaurant for an enjoyable lunch and socializing.

This was the last planned event for this season and, though it will be difficult to follow, plans are already underway to make the 2024 season even more exciting. For more information or to learn how to become a Lion of Judah and/ or Pomegranate, please contact me at Rabogo@comcast.net.

English Proper Tea with speaker Mikki Williams

Forty Lions attended the Proper English Tea.