Chestnut Hill Couple Honored May 4

Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Metrowest will host its annual Seize the Dream Gala on May 4, at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center to honor Leslie and Jonathan Gerber of Holliston, Robin Welch of Framingham, and Ellie and Barry Shrage of Chestnut Hill for their generosity, unwavering dedication, and community service to those in need. Guests are invited to come celebrate these established community leaders while enjoying an unparalleled, formal dining experience—featuring well-prepared entrées and decadent desserts—from 25 of the best local food providers. Each ticket sold will raise money for area programs that support at-risk children, the local food pantry, and elderly assistance.

“Seize the Dream enables JFS to carry out our mission of alleviating suffering for families and elders in distress,” said Marc Jacobs, CEO of JFS of Metrowest. “We serve over 4,000 people annually through our diverse services. Our Seize the Dream honorees inspire this good work to continue through their civic engagement, leadership and generosity.”

Additional information about JFS leaders being honored:

Ellie and Barry Shrage

Ellie, a Certificated Development Specialist, has worked for the past fifteen years at Thom Charles River Early Intervention Center to help children, from birth to age 3, with development delays and disabilities. She also serves on the boards of Gateways, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, and was on the original board of Etgar L’Noar. Barry, President of Combined Jewish Philanthropies, has dedicated himself to Boston’s Jewish community for the past 27-years in an effort to strengthen education initiatives, engage the next generation, and build community connection. He has also helped in developing CJP’s Economic Response, which has provided crisis funding to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including isolated seniors, immigrants, the unemployed, and the disabled.

Leslie and Jonathan Gerber

For several years, Leslie, a member of the JFS Board of Directors, and Jonathan, Chief Trading Officer and owner at Horizon Technology, have quietly worked on behalf of vulnerable children and families, supporting JFS’ Reducing Achievement Gaps and Family Assistance initiatives. As founders of an annual holiday gift drive, they both have changed the holiday season for more than 1,500 local children.

Robin Welch

Robin, a recently retired Principal of the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Framingham and member of the JFS Board of Directors, is an education leader and advocate for low-income children and their families. Beyond his thought leadership, Robin has a strong passion for the arts and has worked in children’s theater since 1975.

Participating Food Providers

Entrée

3 Restaurant

Creative Entertainment/Catering by Roche Bros.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Westborough

Fireplace

Firefly’s BBQ

Heritage at Framingham

Jennifer’s Gourmet Take-Out and Catering

Legal Sea Foods

Perfect Pear Catering

Samba Steak & Sushi House

Samba West

Sichuan Gourmet

Zaftigs Delicatessen

Sheraton Framingham

Butcherie II

The Chubby Chickpea

Larry Levine’s Kosher Market/Catering by Tevya

Dessert

• Brooklyn Water Bagels
• Cakes by J and J
• JCHE- Shillman House
• The Melting Pot
• North End Treats
• Yummy Mummy Brownies

About JFS

JFS provides vital social, health, and community services to alleviate suffering, enhance lives, and support those in need. To learn more about JFS, order your tickets to Seize the Dream Gala, or view the event’s on-line auction, visit: JFSMW.org.

Submitted by Jewish Family Services of Metrowest.