Dec 1, 2010

Federation to Host Pacesetter Event Thursday, December 16

As so many in Miami, in Israel and around the world continue to depend on Federation-funded services due to a challenging economy, hundreds of Miami’s Jewish community leaders will gather in solidarity and to pledge support for the most vulnerable — at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2011 Pacesetter Event Thursday, December 16 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

“This is a critical time for our community,” said Federation General Campaign Chair Brian L. Bilzin. “While some say the economy is recovering, the fact is that one in eight people in Miami’s Jewish community continues to receive some form of financial assistance from Federation and our local Partner Agencies. We know we can count on those attending The Pacesetter Event to rise to the occasion and lead our community through generous support of the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign.”

“This event is literally about setting the pace for the entire Annual Campaign,” said Lily Serviansky, who is chairing The Pacesetter Event along with her husband, David, and Ray Ellen and Allan Yarkin. “The support of our Pacesetter donors goes a long way toward helping Jewish people in need in Miami, in Israel and in 64 other countries around the world.”

The 2011 Pacesetter Event will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by a delicious kosher dinner and keynote address by George F. Will, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post syndicate and a regular face on ABC News’ This Week.

“The Pacesetter Event is one of the most highly anticipated annual events for our community,” said Ray Ellen Yarkin. “It provides an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate commitment to helping others in our extended Jewish family. At the same time, it offers guests the chance to hear from some of the most dynamic thinkers of our time.

“Nearly a decade ago, George Will delivered a captivating keynote address at The Pacesetter Event, and we are thrilled to be able to welcome back to Miami for this year’s event,” she added. The Pacesetter Division Chair is Richard A. Berkowitz.

Keynote Speaker: Columnist George F. Will

George F. Will, a Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist and Newsweek essayist, is considered by many to be the foremost political columnist of our time. Eight collections of his Newsweek and Washington Post columns have been published, including the most recent, One Man’s America. In 1981, Will became a founding panel member on ABC television’s This Week. Read George Will’s full bio.

At The Pacesetter Event, he will address the topic of “Political Argument Today,” a particularly notable subject, as his remarks will follow just six weeks after the midterm elections.

Couvert for The Pacesetter Event is $150 per person (not tax-deductible), and includes valet parking. A $10,000 suggested minimum gift per invited couple to the 2011 Annual Federation/UJA Campaign or membership in The Foundation Star of David or Heritage Societies is requested.

RSVP online. For more information, email [email protected] or call 786.866.8431.