The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

UJA Federation

Yankee’s JOE GIRARDI: “Sports Talk Speaker” To UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK

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(From left) Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale, and Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua.
(From left) Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale, and Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua.

Yankees Manager Joe Girardi served as guest speaker at UJA-Federation of New York’s 10th Annual Sports Talk. The event took place on Thursday, January 28at Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, New York. It drew nearly 250 guests who came to support UJA-Federation’s life-changing work and hear from Girardi, who has guided the Yankees to five playoffs and one World Series Championship since being named manager in 2007.

A Purchase, New York, resident, Girardi successfully translated the skills he learned during his 15 years as a Major League Baseball catcher into his winning career as manager. As a major league catcher, he played for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Yankees. He also dedicates much of his time to philanthropy, particularly his Catch 25 Foundation, which provides support to those afflicted with ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and fertility issues.

Guests had the opportunity to hear about the work of UJA-Federation, which over the course of its 99-year history has become the largest local philanthropy in the world, supporting a network of nearly 100 nonprofit organizations that serve every population from early childhood to old age, and that offer critical assistance in almost every life circumstance.

“It’s amazing how we’re immediately on the ground — whether that’s here in New York during Hurricane Sandy, in Israel during last summer’s rocket attacks, in Japan following the earthquake, or in Ukraine when the Jewish community came under threat. The impact we make is extraordinary,” said Event Chair Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua. “But the difference we make isn’t only in France or Israel or even downtown New York. We touch lives right here in Westchester.”

Event chairs were Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, and Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale. Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor served as auction chair. 

About UJA-Federation of New York


For nearly 100 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

Two Westchester Families Recognized by the UJA for “Making a Difference”

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Via a UJA Federation of New York Release:

(From left) Tina Price, Caryl Orlando, and Nina Ross, all of Scarsdale
(From left) Tina Price, Caryl Orlando, and Nina Ross, all of Scarsdale

More than 350 guests joined UJA-Federation of New York’s Westchester Region as it honored the Beckman family of Scarsdale and the Rieger family of Bedford. At this Westchester Celebration, Yoav Cohen of White Plains was recognized for his contributions as Westchester’s first shaliach, or Israeli emissary, who serves as a cultural bridge between the local community and Israel.

The event took place on April 14 at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, where guests came together as a community to applaud the achievements of the honorees for their committed leadership in the Westchester Jewish community and to support UJA-Federation and its network of nearly 100 local and global nonprofits.

The evening’s theme focused on the families’ legacy of transmitting values — including commitment to their Jewish heritage, philanthropy, caring for those in need, and collective responsibility — and recognized the honorees for their dedication to making a difference through their actions.

“In the rich narrative of Jewish history, the Beckmans and Riegers continued the chain by passing these meaningful values to their children,” said UJA-Federation’s Westchester Regional Chair Martine Fleishman of Purchase. She encouraged guests to view an exhibit at the event, a colorful timeline that showcased UJA-Federation’s response to the events that have shaped the Jewish community around the world.

“You’ll see that UJA-Federation’s history may very well mirror your family history in many ways,” she continued. “For nearly 100 years, we’ve responded in times of challenge — during the Great Depression, the darkness of the Holocaust, and the Six-Day War — and in times of joy and opportunity, such as the establishment of the State of Israel and the opening of the Iron Curtain to Soviet Jews.”

An interactive drumming experience kicked off the program and enlivened the evening.

(From left) Honorees Richard and Heidi Rieger of Bedford, Yoav Cohen of White Plains, and Shari and Joel Beckman of Scarsdale
(From left) Honorees Richard and Heidi Rieger of Bedford, Yoav Cohen of White Plains, and Shari and Joel Beckman of Scarsdale

Shari and Joel Beckman, who were honored with their sons, Steven and Jacob, have embraced the values of UJA-Federation for the past 30 years. Shari has served the organization in many capacities, including as Scarsdale area chair and as a member of both the Board of Directors and the Westchester Program Services Cabinet, which provides funding to programs that further the Westchester Jewish community’s efforts to address needs and support new approaches to successful models. Shari’s professional career as a college advisor to high school students has extended to volunteer opportunities, such as working with the Off the Street program, which is run by UJA-Federation beneficiary agency Westchester Jewish Community Services.

Co-founder of Greenbriar Equity Group, a private equity firm in Rye, Joel serves on the Board of Directors for UJA-Federation and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. A past board member of theJewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester, he is vice-chairman of the Chordoma Foundation and active in other philanthropic organizations.

Recognized with their daughters, Rebecca, Hillary, and Abigail, Heidi and Richard Rieger have devoted much of their lives to supporting the Jewish people. A member of UJA-Federation’s Board of Directors, Heidi is a founding member of The Neshamot Fund – Westchester Women’s Venture Philanthropy of UJA-Federation. A certified social worker with a part-time practice in Northern Westchester, shecurrently sits on the boards of the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan, Facing History and Ourselves, Clal, The Jewish Education Project, and The Blue Card. Richard serves as a senior advisor to Kingdon Capital. He serves on the board of the University Settlement House, the Photography Committee at MoMA, and the board of trustees at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

As shaliach, Yoav Cohen has built bridges and fostered understanding between the community and Israel. Born in Johannesburg, Yoav lived in South Africa until the age of 12, when he moved to Israel. He served in the IDF as a platoon commander and fitness trainer. Following his service, he worked in Israel’s high-tech sector at software giant SAP and then in the academic world at IDC Herzliya. He also co-founded friendasoldier.com, an innovative dialogue website connecting former IDF soldiers with the rest of the world.

(From left) Lois Kohn-Claar of Scarsdale, Tracey Bilski of Chappaqua, and Anita Greenwald of Armonk
(From left) Lois Kohn-Claar of Scarsdale, Tracey Bilski of Chappaqua, and Anita Greenwald of Armonk

The gathering also heard from Eric S. Goldstein, UJA-Federation’s CEO. “Westchester is an extraordinary philanthropic community,” he told the gathering. Speaking to the honorees, he added, “You represent the best of this community, and we’re grateful to you.”

Mindy and Andrew Feldman of Harrison, Janie and Adam Frieman of New Rochelle, Anita and Richard Greenwald of Armonk, Michele and Judah Kraushaar of Chappaqua, Randi and Dan Kreisler of Pleasantville, and Nancy and Robert Rieger of Rye served as event chairs.

About UJA-Federation of New York

For more than 95 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

At UJA’s “Sports Talk:” New York Yankees Radio Voice Suzyn Waldman

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Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Suzyn Waldman, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, and Richard Leroy of Briarcliff
Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Suzyn Waldman, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, and Richard Leroy of Briarcliff

Radio personality Suzyn Waldman, the radio voice of the New York Yankees, was the featured speaker at UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester’s Eighth Annual Sports Talk on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. The event, which drew more than 175 guests, took place at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, in White Plains.

When Suzyn Waldman became part of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s “Women in Baseball” exhibit as the first full-time female color commentator in the Major Leagues in the spring of 2006, it was another “first” for the award-winning journalist and sports commentator. During the evening, Waldman spoke about spending more than two and a half decades overcoming the obstacles that go along with being a female sports broadcaster. She also shared an insider’s stories about Major League Baseball, the Yankees, and issues facing baseball today.

Guests also had the opportunity to learn about the work of UJA-Federation, the world’s largest local philanthropy, which cares for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and for Jews everywhere, connects people to their Jewish communities, and responds to crises — in New York, in Israel and around the world. To highlight the organization’s mission, Event Chair Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua told stories of three individuals whose lives were changed by its work.

“If you’ve ever wondered how you make a difference through UJA-Federation, now you know,” he said. “These are three out of the more than 4 million people who we touch each year.”

Event chairs were Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, Ken Fuirst, Wayne Josel of Larchmont, Steve Marlowe of Scarsdale, and David Perlmutter of Chappaqua. Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor served as auction chair.

About UJA-Federation of New York
For more than 95 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, nearly 60,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 network beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

UJA Community wide drive for victims of hurricane Sandy

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UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester is mobilizing a communitywide food and emergency-supply drive. A central force for communal planning and philanthropy, UJA-Federation helps to sustain the activities of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that improve people’s lives.

Needed food items include baby food, boxed milk, and coffee creamer; canned fruits and vegetables; canned meat and fish; cereal, cookies, and crackers; coffee, teas, and hot chocolate; pasta, rice, and instant potatoes; ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise; soup and tomato sauce; vinegar, oil, and salad dressings; raisins, prunes, dried fruit, and nuts; and peanut butter.

Needed personal care items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, diapers, wipes, baby formula, and hand sanitizer.

Needed emergency items include work gloves, flashlights, C and D batteries, and heavy-duty trash bags.

No glass containers, expired items, or items not listed can be accepted. Kosher food is appreciated.

There are two locations for food and supply drop-off. These are UJA-Federation’s White Plains Office at 701 Westchester Avenue, and UJA-Federation’s Mount Kisco Office at 27 Radio Circle Drive, starting Monday, November 5th. Collection times are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at both locations. Please call the Mount Kisco office at 1.914.666.9650 before dropping off due to sporadic office closings as a result of the storm.

For more information or to make a donation to the Hurricane Relief Fund at  www.ujafedny.org/hurricane-sandy-relief-fund, contact Donna Divon at divond@ujafedny.org  or 1.914.761.5100 ext. 130.

About UJA-Federation of New York

For more than 90 years, UJA-Federation has been a central force for communal planning and philanthropy in the New York Jewish community. Through UJA-Federation, almost 60,000 donors pool their resources to help people in need, inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen Jewish communities around the world — to address the issues that matter to us most as Jews and as New Yorkers. Working with nearly 100 network beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 60 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. Because we do the most good when we do it together. For more information on how to donate or how to volunteer, please visit our website at http://www.ujafedny.org.