Dozens of volunteers packed into the JFS board room on April 3 for a beautiful brunch in appreciation of the time and talents they give to JFS and its clients.

“You have made our community stronger and more connected. We couldn’t be as far reaching with our programs if it wasn’t for our amazing volunteers,” Chelsea Karp, volunteer coordinator, told the volunteers.

The JFS staff had prepared an array of delicious foods, from quiches and granola to coffee cake and tarts, all made from scratch with love, just like JFS Mazel Meals volunteers do for their recipients.

“We could’ve easily called in a caterer,” explained Karp, “but we wanted the volunteers to experience the same special feeling of care that they give to our clients.”

After sitting down with glasses of orange juice and plates full of homemade treats, the volunteers found each place at the tables set with a favor—a glass jar of honey thanking them for “beeing” a volunteer.

“Without you, our presence would be greatly diminished,” JFS President Rabbi Allen Juda told the volunteers. “Without you, many people would not receive the services and benefits and help that we feel they deserve and we want to provide. You’re the ones who are our face; you’re the ones, with your hands and with your efforts, who are carrying the JFS mission out.”

JFS Executive Director Debbie Zoller then delighted the group with a creative poem, thanking each of the many kinds of volunteers individually. She also thanked Karp and the rest of the JFS staff who helped make the day possible. 

The morning finished out with Karp joining in on thanking the volunteers before finishing off the celebration with cutting and passing out cake. 

The many more volunteers who weren’t able to attend the brunch will also receive their gift and a hearty thanks from JFS.