National Jewish Health New Directions for Women Luncheon

Program raises more than $64,000 to benefit National Jewish Health          

The annual National Jewish Health “New Directions for Women” luncheon on March 5 brought more than 200 women together to raise more than $64,000 for the nation’s number one respiratory hospital, National Jewish Health. Inspirational speaker and noted dietician Zonya Foco offered motivation for the women to take care of their “sweet hearts,” even getting her audience to their feet for a little light exercise after they enjoyed a heart-friendly luncheon, which Foco approved.

For decades, luncheons and other fundraising events, gatherings and educational programs offered by National Jewish Health in Florida have drawn hundreds of local supporters. And since the 1950s members of the Florida auxiliary of National Jewish Health have raised millions of dollars to further the work of the nation’s number one respiratory hospital in Denver, Colo.

Boca Raton resident and National Jewish Health Trustee Anne Jacobson told the crowd what she and her husband experienced when they traveled to the Denver institution. “National Jewish Health saved my husband’s life. They don’t give up until they find the answers,” Jacobson said. “When we are in the waiting room at National Jewish Health, we talk to those around us. They come from all over the country. We’ve met survivors of 9/11, former firemen whose lives were dedicated to saving others who are now at National Jewish Health looking for someone to save them from respiratory diseases. We see children of all ages suffering from eczema, allergies and asthma. We see mine workers battling lung disease. They’re there for dozens of reasons, but all are there because National Jewish Health gives them hope.”

Co-chairs Jane Mandell and Lisa Jenson served as emcees for the event. More than a dozen National Jewish Health supporters in Palm Beach and Broward counties are part of the committee for the luncheon, which continues a long tradition of informative and fun events provided by local community leaders in support of the mission of National Jewish Health.

Benefactor sponsor of the event was the Fine and Greenwald Foundation Inc. Other sponsors included Norman and Anne Jacobson, First Southern Bank and Dr. Charles and Jane Mandell.

Raffle and silent auction prizes awarded after the event included trips, designer handbags and jewelry. Donors of raffle items were Holland America Line, Regency Jewels and The Regency Collection, Neiman Marcus Boca Raton, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton, Hilton New Orleans, Samuel J. Friedman, National WWII Museum, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, and Bluegreen Corporation. Silent auction donors included The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills, The Capital Grille, Evelyn and Arthur, Hunters Run Country Club, the Rendon Center for Dermatology, and Barker Animation.

National Jewish Health is known worldwide for treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders, and for groundbreaking medical research. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health remains the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to these disorders. Since 1998, U.S. News & World Report has ranked National Jewish Health the number one respiratory hospital in the nation.

Lung and heart disease are two of the biggest health risks to women. National Jewish Health focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these two critical women’s health issues. Integrated research, treatment and education efforts will improve the understanding of how these diseases affect women and will redefine the treatment women receive.