Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

  • Home
  • Cathy's WHIM - Passing The Torch

Cathy’s WHIM – Passing The Torch

Cathy Gardner | July 12, 2018
Cathy’s WHIM – Passing The Torch

I’ve always felt a deep connection to the Jewish community. I believe much of it comes from being raised in a home where Federation and the JCC were of great importance. My father was a staunch supporter of Jewish causes. In fact, he would go on to serve as president of both the Tampa Jewish Federation and JCC.

When I returned home from college, I quickly became immersed in Federation. Soon I was asked to be a board member. Shortly after my 30th birthday, I was asked to serve as board secretary (a position I gladly accepted).

I spent many years involved in the community ~ running Super Sunday, volunteering countless hours, and doing whatever I could for the betterment of the Jewish community – both local and abroad. My work extended beyond Federation to JCC as well.

Over time, my knowledge base of Federation became richer. Admittedly, when I first began my volunteer work, I didn’t have a full wealth of knowledge of the Federation and how they operated. What was important, though, was I wanted to know more. I knew the organization was important. I knew the work they did was important. And I wanted to be a part of it.

When I see the younger generation stepping into lay leader roles, it reminds me of a very exciting and meaningful time in my life. At our Annual Meeting on August 15th at 6pm, several new people will join our JFGD Board, including several members of the younger generation. You can click here for more information about our Annual Meeting and to view the board slate.

We will install a new president, JCC and JFS board members, honor local community members and unveil Jewish Dayton Dreams Big into the Future ~ The Big Reveal of the Big Ideas. It is an evening you do not want to miss. I hope you join us as we embark on the next chapter of Jewish Dayton!

 

 

 

To receive Cathy’s WHIM in your inbox each week, click here.


Chief Executive Officer
Cathy Gardner

Latest Articles

View All Articles
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Cathy Gardner

If there is one constant in life, it is change. Our interests, wants, and needs often shift with time and circumstances. This is true not only in our individual lives, but also in communities. When the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education (CJCE) was built in the early 2000’s, it fulfilled the needs for our community at that time. However, throughout my tenure here, community members have shared with me that they find themselves either needing or desiring different services and amenities than we currently offer. I realize there may be others who share these sentiments. Knowing what people...

Read More

Peter Wells
Cathy Gardner

When I first began my position as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, I received a phone call from Peter Wells, who served as CEO of the organization from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. He was in town and asked if he could meet with me. What began as a meeting to provide me with insight and information about the Dayton Jewish community quickly morphed into a very special relationship. Peter wasn’t just a professional resource. He was my mentor and a dear friend. He proved to be a wealth of knowledge, helping me to have a...

Read More

A Peek at This Year’s Presidents Dinner
Cathy Gardner

It is hard to believe we are only a little over three weeks away from our 2026 Presidents Dinner, which will take place on Sunday, May 17 at the Boonshoft CJCE. The Presidents Dinner honors the legacy of the Federation’s past presidents while inspiring our community with a global message on an intimate level. Attendees also have the opportunity to make a pledge to the 2026 Annual Campaign. Our Chairs for this year’s event are Bernie Rabinowitz and his partner, Elaine Goldberg. Bernie has been a pillar in our Jewish community for many years. He has served on countless boards...

Read More

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Stay Up to Date!