To the Editor:

On behalf of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County (JFCS), I would like to offer my gratitude for the overwhelming community support of the 2015 Illumination Ball, held February 28 at the Westin Princeton Forrestal Village. The sponsors, guests, auction donors, and committee members truly made the evening special and helped us raise much needed funds to sustain the variety and high quality of services we provide for the community.

Through video-storytelling crafted by Burke Wood of Burkewood Creative, the stories of the community honorees, the Mercer County Holocaust survivors, were shared with the audience and woven with the story of the corporate honoree, Debbie Schaeffer of Mrs. G TV, Appliance, and Sleep Center. The Holocaust survivors shared trials and triumphs — and taught us to appreciate and live life. Debbie Schaeffer, a third generation business owner, continues the tradition of her grandmother by serving the community and incorporating strong family values into her business plan.

A special thank you goes to our celebrity guest, Geoff Schwartz, offensive lineman for the NY Giants. Geoff brought the event to an exciting new level and continued the theme of heritage paving the way for the future.

Finally, this sold out event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Gala committee, JFCS Board, staff, and volunteers. We hope to see you at next years’ gala, set for March 5, 2016 at the Westin Princeton Forrestal Village.

Linda Meisel

Executive Director,

Jewish Family and Children’s Service 

of Greater Mercer County