Lunches, brunches and events galore

Nancy Wiadro, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah welcomes our new and returning seasonal members on Wednesday, Nov. 13, with our Fall Luncheon Meeting and Election of 2025 officers. There will be an important panel discussion on how antisemitism impacts us all and a local artisan vendor’s showcase (for holiday gift giving). Registration is essential. To register for this or any of the Hadassah programs below, email CollierLeeHadassah@gmail.com and put “Information” in the subject line.

Hadassah’s life changing work has attracted many new members over the summer months. Our membership team will resume new and prospective member gatherings in Naples, Bonita, Estero and Fort Myers. If you are new to any of these communities, kindly email the address above so that we can personally greet you.

Major donor and Keepers of the Gate recognition brunch

Our 25th Annual Major Donor and Keepers of the Gate Recognition Brunch takes place at Talis Park Golf Club in Naples on Sunday, Dec. 8. Special guest speaker and Hadassah Medical Organization Chair Dr. Judith Mann will brief guests on the completion and equipping of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center on Mount Scopus, Jerusalem. Mann, a doctor of physical therapy, will relate the center’s vital physical and emotional rehabilitation efforts and equipment needs. Men and women, who are donors from the annual Chai Society level ($180+) or higher, are encouraged to attend.

Installation of chapter officers

Monday, Jan. 13, is the 2025 Installation of Chapter Officers with lunch by Prestige Catering, at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in Naples. There will be a special fashion show from Petunia’s 5th Avenue shop in Old Naples. Registration is required.

Inspiring women event

Save the date for Sunday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m., for the chapter’s Third Annual Inspiring Women at the Audubon Country Club in North Naples. Women being recognized for their outstanding community work are Susan Bookbinder, Naples; Paula Brody, Naples; and Elizabeth Dosoretz, Fort Myers. Net proceeds will benefit Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center. Registration is required.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Hadassah’s resources continue to be deployed wherever tragedy occurs. Youth at risk, traumatized by the shelling near their residential Youth Aliyah Villages, now receive critical psychological support and safe shelter.

The Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower at the Ein Kerem campus, accommodates patients and their caregivers deep underground in six new operating theaters, safe from conventional, biological and chemical attack.

A crucial new intensive care unit at the Ein Kerem Round Building, must be equipped with the necessary hi-tech orthopedic instruments to best treat mass casualties from across Central Israel.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us pause to give thanks to those who came before us and to express gratitude to those leading us into 2025.

When you are considering your yearend philanthropic giving, please think of Hadassah and how meaningful a gift of any amount could be. Visit hadassah.org/donate (Include “Collier/Lee Chapter” for credit).

Thank you. Together we will heal!