Established in 1893 by Hannah G. Solomon, the National Council of Jewish Women is “the oldest Jewish women’s grassroots organization in the country.” For the past 110 years it has been loyal to its “belief in education, advocacy and community service.”
To celebrate this milestone, they’ve arranged for their “Building Brighter Futures” luncheon to have an all-star female lineup starting off with a three-generation honorary co-chair team — Brenda Brand and Rosie Stromberg along with Brenda’s daughter/Rosie’s daughter-in-law Beth Brand Stromberg and Brenda’s and Rosie’s granddaughter/Beth daughter Ariella Stromberg. That foursome alone could fill a ballroom with just their families, friends and fans, but there’s more… lots more.
The keynote speaker will be NPR’s award-winning legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg, who over the years has earned awards and quite a reputation for her coverage of the Supreme Court. Her recently published “Dinners With Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” is “a tribute and testament” to her nearly 50-year friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Their friendship began long before Nina was hired by NPR and Ruth was appointed to the Supreme Court. It took place when Nina “was curious about Ruth’s legal brief, asking the Supreme Court to do something revolutionary: declare a law that discriminated ‘on the basis of sex’ to be unconstitutional.’” And as they say, it was “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” From sharing the love of the law, shopping and opera, Nina and Ruth would help each other emerge from the deaths of their husbands.
To add to the luster of the fundraiser, the “Pioneering Partner Award” will be presented to another legal eagle, Regina Montoya, who in addition to countless local accomplishments has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Committee on Advancing Education Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, as well as co-chairing the Dallas Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty.
Taking place at the Westin Galleria Dallas on Friday, March 31, with WFAA’s Cynthia Izaguirre as emcee, the event has sponsorships and tickets that are available here with proceeds staying in Dallas. So, get your reservation in and get Nina’s book. It’s an easy read with the focus on how important friendship is even to icons.
* Graphic/photo provided by National Council of Jewish Women