$50,000 for Jewish Care
A capacity 300-strong gathering at Melbourne’s Jewish Care’s recent Generations of Women fundraiser was thrilled to witness a $50,000 donation from keynote speaker Jeanne Pratt.
The surprise announcement by Mrs Pratt, was made in honour of her grandson’s Bar Mitzvah.
Jeanne Pratt and Melissa Davis
In an entertaining speech about her life in pre-WWII Poland until current day, Mrs Pratt drew laughs and engaged the audience. She regaled them with stories of her family’s early days in Australia and anecdotes as a young journalist, including meeting Jordan’s King Hussein and the Aga Khan.
Melissa Davis, Generations of Women Chair, said the turnout and atmosphere at the event was uplifting. She said money raised would go to Jewish Care’s professional counselling service, supporting individuals and families in crisis in our community.
“For the first time ever the function was overbooked,” she said. “It was amazing to have so many passionate supporters of Jewish Care come together to hear one of the most extraordinary philanthropists share her experiences and talk so positively about Jewish Care. Jeanne’s donation sets an example to all of us.”
The Bar Mitzvah Program has received ongoing support from The Pratt Foundation, co-founded by Mrs Pratt and late husband Richard, which generously matches each donation made by B’nei Mitzvah youth dollar-for-dollar. For a gift to be matched, participants need only complete five hours’ volunteering at Jewish Care.
Jewish Care thanks the wonderful Generations of Women committee –
Melissa Davis, Hilary Cohen, Suzy Cohen, Rebecca Fried, Ruth Kaye, Karen Korn, Sara Pike, Dahlia Sable and Keren Zelwer – for their tireless work and ongoing commitment.
To find out more about Jewish Care’s counselling service and B’nei Mitzvah Program, contact (03) 8517 5999, email info@jewishcare.org.au or visit www.jewishcare.org.au
