Tikkun Olam Award to be presented at President’s Dinner

The Tampa Jewish Federation will reveal the community leader selected as the 2012 the Tikkun Olam Award at its annual President’s Dinner on Sunday, Jan. 29, at A La Carte Event Pavilion.

The award honors a community member who has shown exemplary leadership that displays an extraordinary commitment to Jewish life in Tampa. The award nominee is selected in a secret ballot process by a committee of agency, synagogue, and Federation representatives.

In 2011, Steve Specter received this award, marking the sixth year it has been given. Previous award recipients are George Karpay (2006), Jack Roth (2007), Maureen and Doug Cohn (2008), Jeff Wuliger (2009), and Blossom Leibowitz (2010).

Each award recipient has been presented with a one-of-a-kind glass creation made by Duncan McLellan, a Tampa Bay glass artist and long-time supporter of the Jewish community.

The theme of the President’s Dinner this year is “The World at Night: Global Security in the 21st Century,” featuring Adm. Eric T. Olson, former U.S. Special Operations Commander. Olson, who retired last year, is a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations officer. He has worked in hot spots around the world and was principal in planning the raid that brought about the death of Osama bin Laden. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star, earned for gallantry in action at Mogadishu. He was also decorated for service by three foreign governments.

To purchase tickets for the dinner, contact Heather Rosen at heather.rosen@jewishtampa.com or call (813) 769-2802. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Mark Segel at mark.segel@jewishtampa.com or call (813) 769-2805.