United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Philanthropy Spring Lunch took place last month in the sun-filled Fleischman Lounge on the Sandler Family Campus. This event serves as a ‘Thank you’ for members of the Women’s Philanthropy who serve as volunteer campaign ambassadors and solicitors, as well as for Tidewater’s Lions of Judah (women donors giving $5,000 or greater to the Federation’s annual campaign).
This year’s lunch was particularly special, as it featured the food and stories of Chef Moshe Basson of the iconic Eucalyptus Restaurant in Jerusalem.
Betty Ann Levin, UJFT’s executive vice president, opened the lunch by welcoming the women, thanking Betsy Karotkin for her service as Women’s Philanthropy chair and Alica London Friedman for stepping into the role.
Karotkin then extended her welcome, explaining that the lunch was meant to celebrate the success of the Women’s Division campaign, thank serving members, and to welcome and install new members of the Women’s Philanthropy. She also noted that it had been 572 days since the awful and horrific attack on Israel – 572 days of captivity for those still held hostage in Gaza; 572 days of worry and stress for the families of those hostages.
“We long for the day,” said Karotkin, “When all of the hostages are returned to Israel and to their families. But even while we wait, wonder, and worry, we know we must move forward with the important work we are doing in building and strengthening our community.” Karotkin thanked everyone for caring, giving, and for asking others to give, reporting two exceptionally successful years of fundraising: “Even though I’m sorry to say that much of it is tied to the events of October 7th and afterward.”
The 2025 Campaign appears ready to surpass the success of 2024, at a current total exceeding $5 million, Karotkin told the group. The Women’s Division alone, she said, has topped $1.5 million from 416 donors.
Karotkin thanked and installed the 23 women whose terms of service were ending, but who’d agreed to serve another three-year term on Women’s Philanthropy: Debra Aleck, Susan Alper, Carol Brum, Debbie Casey, Susan Cohen, Leora Drory, Kim Fink, Alicia London Friedman, Randi Gordon, Kim Gross, Ellen Rostov Hundley, Betsy Karotkin, Cindy Kramer, Sierra Lautman, Amy Lefcoe, Ina Levy, Robin Mancoll, Stacie Hofheimer Moss, Judi Rosenblatt, Sara Jo Rubin, Carin Simon, Renee Strelitz, and Ellen Wagner.
In addition, five Women’s Philanthropy past chairs will move to honorary positions: Barbara Dudley, Mona Flax, Laura Gross, Amy Levy, and Janet Mercadante.
Finally, and with the kind of pride and pleasure that comes from watching a leader grow up and into her new role, Karotkin installed Alicia London Friedman as the new Women’s Philanthropy chair, saying, “Because our work is so vital, we need great leaders. And we can all be assured that under our new leadership with Alicia London Friedman, we [Women’s Philanthropy] will stay relevant and strong. We look forward to a bright, invigorated future.”
In her first official act as chair, Friedman installed eight new and two returning Women’s Philanthropy members: Rachel Abrams, Elyse Cardon, Ellen Coley, Rachael Feigenbaum, Barb Gelb, Debbie Mandell, Lisa Roesen, Dylan Sandler, Deb Segaloff, and Megan Zuckerman.
The ladies then enjoyed a buffet lunch prepared by Chef Moshe Basson himself, after which Friedman presented her vision, thanking Betsy Karotkin for her mentorship, stewardship, and leadership of the Women’s Philanthropy. “Together, we are amazing. Together we bring so much to the table. And I couldn’t be more excited about the next two years!” she concluded.
Janet Mercadante then interviewed Chef Basson, asking him to talk about the amazing meal they’d just experienced. He discussed the meaning behind several of the dishes (including a grain dish enjoyed by King David).
All left the room feeling the spark of “something special” – perhaps it was as simple as the coming together of strong, smart, caring Jewish women.
The Women’s Philanthropy is a volunteer fundraising committee of the Annual Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. To make a gift or become involved with the Women’s Philanthropy, contact Linda Ausch at 757-965-6105 or LAusch@ujft.org.
