TJFS raises $50,000 at event

(L-R) Gary Teblum, Warren Harris, Wendy DePaul and Dan Berman Tampa Jewish Family Services (TJFS) held its annual Trifecta fundraising event last month, raising more than $50,000 for services and programs.

This year’s event, themed Denim & Diamonds, was held at Congregation Schaarai Zedek and featured food tastings from more than 15 local restaurants and caterers, 145 silent auction items and a signature Trifecta cocktail.

“We are appreciative of those who attended, our sponsors and participating restaurants, and our amazing silent auction,” said Jan Stern, who chaired the event along with Beth Gemunder.

“The majority of the restaurants were new, and those who came had a wonderful time. Most importantly, we were able to meet our goal and raise more than $50,000 to help those in need,” said Stern.

Each year TJFS helps more than 14,000 people of all faiths throughout the Tampa Bay region. All net proceeds from Trifecta go to support TJFS programs, including the community food bank, psychological and educational assessments, financial assistance, senior services and more.

(L-R) Trifecta event co-chairs Beth Gemunder and Jan Stern “Our goal is to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Whether that is therapy with our on-staff psycholo- gists, testing for students, or food from our Community Food bank, we’re here to help those in need,” said Michael Barnett, TJFS CEO.

Trifecta is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The agency is also supported through private donations and with public and private grants.

“Every year we raise the bar a little bit higher, and this year really blew us away.” said Barnett. “We’ve already started planning for Trifecta 2018.”

Rabbi Josh Hearshen of Congregation Rodeph Sholom, center with his wife Carrie and Jonathan Ellis For more information, go to tjfs.org.