TUNED IN
Welcome to the 18th annual Tuned In: The Larry Dobkin Event! We’re thrilled to have you here this afternoon. This event pays lasting tribute to our friend Larry Dobkin, a long-time advocate and supporter of Response and the teens we serve. May his memory be for a blessing.
Thanks to your unwavering support, JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens has grown from a small program in West Rogers Park into a thriving, essential service at the beautiful Seigle Campus in Skokie. Your commitment ensures Response continues to provide life-changing programs for thousands of teens across Chicagoland.
Today, we proudly honor Devra Shutan for her dedication to Response for Teens and the broader Jewish community. Her passion for Tikkun Olam shines through her leadership in Operation Snowball, her deep engagement with Holocaust survivors, missions to Ukraine and Israel, and her roles at JCFS Chicago and JUF.
Thank you to the Chicago Chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, for their special performance this afternoon. And a huge thank you to our fellow RAC board members and our fabulous professional staff who have worked diligently for months to make this afternoon unforgettable!
Mazel tov on this special celebration!
Barry Rubin & Jonathan Rutman 2025 Event Co-Chairs
DEVRA SHUTAN
This year we are recognizing Devra Shutan for her long-standing commitment to Response for Teens and the greater Jewish community. Devra’s profound allegiance to Tikkun Olam is demonstrated through her prominent volunteer work, deep engagement with Holocaust survivors, missions to Ukraine and Israel, and leadership roles at Jewish Children’s Bureau (now JCFS Chicago) and Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago (JUF). Devra served as JUF’s President of the Young Women’s Board, Campaign Chair of Women’s Philanthropy and board Vice Chair. Devra lives with her husband, Gregg, in Highland Park where they raised three children, Noah, Ellory and Macy.
Lonnie J. Nasatir President
March 16, 2025
TO: Barry Rubin and Jonathan
Rutman, Co-Chairs
Tuned In: The Larry Dobkin Event
Dear Barry and Jonathan:
I would like to express our community's appreciation to Response for Teens for its essential work with teens, this year and always.
Today, current events are amplifying the social pressures teens in our community face, putting added stress on their mental health-and lending added importance to Response's work. We are grateful to Response for helping teens develop healthy coping skills, build their resilience and find their equilibrium.
Heartfelt gratitude to Response's exceptional volunteers and staff, who ensure that teens get this essential support from their greater Jewish family at this key time in their lives and at this challenging moment in time.
As the father of two daughters-one of whom is still a teen-I am especially grateful for the empathy and excellence you devote to supporting teenagers in our community.
Mazel tov to honoree Devra Resnick Shutan, who is so passionately dedicated to the welfare of Jewish teens. Devra's work with Response is just one of the many ways she has so deeply dedicated herself to our community. In addition to her service on the JUF Board, Devra has long been involved in JUF Women's Philanthropy, where she has held multiple leadership roles and is known for her great eloquence and energy.
JUF is proud to partner with Response as our community strives to foster resilience and optimism in challenging times. By helping to shape strong, hopeful Jewish youth, Response is helping to shape a strong, hopeful Jewish future.
Thank you much for coming together for good.
Sincerely,
Lonnie Nasatir
PROGRAM
Welcome
Barry Rubin & Jonathan Rutman
Tuned In Co-Chairs
Dobkin Legacy
Sydnie Dobkin
Extraordinary Teen Award Presentation
About Response for Teens
Presented by Brittany Sue Hines
Teen Performance
HaZamir, Chicago Chapter
Honoring Devra Shutan
Presented by Stacey Shor
Raffle Pull
THANK YOU!
HONOREE COMMITTEE
Leslie and Greg Apter
Lisa and Jeff Aronin
Karen and Ethan Budin
Helene Diamond and Steve Malina
Jason Erkes
Susan Silver Erlebacher and Ross Erlebacher
The Fink and Gilford Families
Bobbie Fink
Ted Koenig
The Kramer and Spitz Families
Paula and Carl Resnick
Debbie and Adam Winick
Scott Yonover
HOST COMMITTEE
David and Debbie Dobkin
Patti and Mike Frazin
Trish Gilbert and Jeff Meyer
Lynne and Mike Lieber
Kim Shwachman
Linda Soreff Siegel
Barbara and Dr. Marc Slutsky
RESPONSE ADVISORY COUNCIL
2024-2025
Barry Rubin
Jonathan Rutman
Event Co-Chairs
Lori Shapiro
Response Advisory Council Chair
Eve Samson
Immediate Past Chair
RAC MEMBERS:
Sarah Casper-Davis*
Gail Rubin Dallas*
Nanci Dobkin*
Terri Freeman*
Melinda Grossman
Alexa Kelman*
Jennifer Koplow, JUF Women’s Philanthropy Board
Lauren Kugelman*
Sheri Levin*
Molly Levitt*
Stacey Orleans*
Lydia Rifkind
Pamela Ruos
Bruce Scher*
Marnie Spiegel*
Julie Weinberg
PAST CHAIRPERSONS:
Jill Bernstein
Larry Dobkin z”l
Nanci Dobkin
Donna Field
June Finder
Abe Goldsmith
Julie Hoffman
Lauren Kohlenbrener
Bob Manewith
Jean Meadows
Edward B. Mehlman
Wendy Nathan
Richard Nelson
Ilene Novack
Gerry Oguss
Lynn Polen
Hollis Russinof
Eve Samson
Susan Steinberger
Marianne K. Taussig
Shari Zenner
RESPONSE DIRECTOR
Alyssa Robbins
z’’l Of Blessed Memory
* Tuned In Planning Committee
THANK YOU TO OUR IN-KIND
Kennette Benedict and Robert Michael
Canal Street Marina
Nanci Dobkin
Lauren and Harold Kugelman
Max Kugelman
Lynne and Mike Lieber
DONORS!
Art Potash
Barry Rubin
Pamela Ruos
Devra and Gregg Shutan
Matt and Marnie Spiegel
Julie and Mark Weinberg
THE LARRY DOBKIN ENDOWMENT FUND
DONORS AND THE RESPONSE GENERAL ENDOWMENT DONORS
The JCFS Chicago Endowment Foundation was created in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s Agency Endowment Program, which was established to ensure that JCFS and our sister agencies have the necessary resources to meet the community needs. All commitments to the Agency Endowment Foundations are recognized as gifts to the Jewish Federation’s Centennial Campaign.
We are grateful for all donations. Gifts of $1,000 and more are listed.
Anonymous ( 2 )
Jim and Kathleen Caragher
David and Debra Dobkin
Nanci Dobkin
Estate of Thelma Dobkin z”l
Donna and Martin Field
Maury L. and Nancy Fertig
June Finder
Stuart and Kim Frankenthal
Terri Freeman
Mike and Patti Frazin
Trish Gilbert and Jeff Meyer
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Arnie and Nina Harris
The Barbara and Frank Lieber Family Charitable Trust
Michael and Lynne Lieber
Corey and Jane Light
Stanley and Jean Meadows
Nachshon Tzedakah Fund
Gerry and Barbara Oguss
Art Potash
Sara and Andy Poticha
Julie and Kenneth Sacks
Marc and Susan Sacks
Dr. Marc and Barbara Slutsky
Marc Swerdlow
Michael H. and Barbara Zaransky
Shari and Bradley Zenner
Response for Teens is grateful to the many donors who made it possible to provide much needed services for adolescents in our community.
These lists include our donors who made a gift to Response for Teens between 7/1/24 – 2/10/25. All gifts are needed and appreciated. Our apologies for any errors or omissions and our thanks to those whose support we received after going to print.
FOUNDER
Lillian & Maurie Lipsey Fund for Jewish Community Enhancement
Shure Charitable Trust
PATRON
The Barbara and Frank Lieber
Family Charitable Trust
Lynn and Mike Lieber
BENEFACTOR
Anonymous
Nanci Dobkin
Susan Silver Erlebacher and Ross Erlebacher
Benn and Amy Feltheimer
Terri and Mike Freeman
Highland Park Community Foundation
Gerald Horwitz
Niles Township Government
Barry Rubin and Deborah Elbaum
Leonard and Diane Sherman
Family Foundation
Devra and Gregg Shutan
LEADER
Kathleen and Jim Caragher
Chicago Pride Fund
Dr. David and Debbie Dobkin
Trish Gilbert and Jeff Meyer
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Lauren and Harold Kugelman
Molly Levitt
Microsoft Corporation
Mosaic Construction, LLC
Kim and Perry Shwachman
Linda Soreff Siegel
Dr. Marc and Barbara Slutsky
The Trillium Foundation
GUARDIAN
Anonymous
Leslie and Greg Apter
Jeffrey and Lisa Aronin
Karen and Ethan Budin
Gail and Chris Dallas
Denise and Scott Davis
Helene Diamond and Steve
Malina
Steven and Kathy Feiger
Bobbie Fink
The Frankenthal Group Foundation, Ltd.
Adrienne and Irwin Friedman
Melinda and Edward Grossman
Koenig Family Foundation
Corey and Jane Light
Stanley and Jean Meadows
Dr. Carlton and Paula Resnick
David J. Roberts
Jonathan Rutman
Lori and Russell Shapiro
Howard Suskin
Transcend Counseling Chicago
Michael and Marilyn Vender
Weinger/Spector Foundation
Scott and Meryl Weis
The Winick Family
PARTNER
Carol A. Farber
Linda Kellough
Andrea and Ken Kramer
Julie and Kenneth Sacks
David Y. Schwartz
Marc and Melissa Weiss
Spellman
Joel and Margo Spitz
The Yonover Family
SUPPORTER
Anonymous ( 2 )
Alyssa Altman
Darlene and Barry Bikshorn
Ms. Julie Cairo
Congregation Beth Shalom
Eric and Kim Ephraim
Steve and Michelle Goldish
Susan and Steven Insoft
Leslie Lipschultz
Nicole and Steven Putzel
Linda Schottenstein Fisher
Lee M. and Nancy D. Singer
FRIEND
Anonymous ( 2 )
Cheryl and Ted Banks
Steven and Hallie Barr
Brian and Andrea Birkan
Robin and Mike Black
Amy Blechman
Brian and Gail Boorstein
Erwin and Nancy Borowsky
Bottom Line Financial, Inc.
Karen and Marshall Brill
Jennifer Brown
Marion Budka
Bennett Byk
Irene and Brian Caminer
Howard Chapman
Jordan Cohen
Daniel Cohen and Sydnee
Fielkow
Ed and Laura Dobkin
Landesman
Carlie and Eric Levin
Joel Dworkin and Rabbi Lauren
Henderson
Jason Erkes
Kathleen Faber
Anna Fofanna
Gail Fox
Richard and Susie Franklin
Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital
Martyne and Bobby Greenblatt
Highland Park Periodontics
Marjorie and Sheldon Hirshman
Adrienne and Ira Holtzman
Christine Jamie
Megan and Barry Janovsky
Sharon Kanter
Howard Kaplan
Laura Kepes
Allen Klein and Davi Hirsch
Susan Kleinman
Caroline Kolb
Ron and Lauri Koretz
Leah Laurie
Lori Leavitt
Tami and Greg Levy
Adam Levy
Honorable Annette Lidawer and Robert Rubin
Scott and Tina Lieber
Roderic MacMillan
Wendy Ottosen
Jonathan and Danielle Pearl
Pediatric Dentistry of the North Shore
Tamar and Bruce Perlow
Lori Polin-Silva
Donna and Donnie Rappin
Louis and Jackie Robinson
Patricia Ryan and Varun Soni
Amy and Stuart Savitz
Edwin P. Schlesinger D.D.S.,
P.C.
Jami and Howard Sharfman
Richard and Sheryl Sheiner
Barbara and Lee Silver
Howard and Deborah Sitron
Marlene Slavitt
Maureen Statland
Rachel and Mark Stein
Superior Optical Tips 2 Toes
Stephen Turow & Linda Blumberg
Carol Wagner
Ken and Donna Wallach
Michael Wallach
Judi Wallach
Melissa and Randy Weinstock
Kathy and Jeff Whitehead
Jody Ciral Williams
Michael and Jennifer Wirth
Brad Zaransky
Mark and Susan Zolno
Ronald and Suzanne Zweig
2025
EXTRAORDINARY TEEN AWARD
Response for Teens’ 2025 Extraordinary Teen Award celebrates major accomplishments made by young people ages 13 through 19.
This year we had a record number of teens from Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, and Wheeling that were nominated for overcoming obstacles, having remarkable achievements in academics, athletics, visual or performing arts, leadership and/or community involvement.
All of these exceptional nominees will receive a letter of recognition from Response for Teens.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 EXTRAORDINARY TEEN NOMINEES!
*The winner and finalists were selected after this book was printed.
For over 50 years, Response for Teens has provided experiential, prevention-based education to tweens, teens, parents, caregivers and professionals.
We believe that youth thrive when they have the information they need to make healthy life choices and a safe space in which to receive support.
In 2024, Response for Teens served over 1,300 students in the Chicagoland area.
In appreciation to Devra Shutan – 2025 Tuned In Honoree
Johnathan Rutman – 2025 Tuned In Co-Chair
The 2025 Extraordinary Teen Recipient
HaZamir – Chicago Chapter
The Dobkin Family
The Extraordinary 2025 Response Advisory Council and Response Staff
Alexa Kelman**
Alyssa Robbins*
Benjie Weiss*
Brittany Sue Hines*
Bruce Scher**
Gail Rubin Dallas**
Genevieve Lindley*
Ilana Seder Rosen*
Jennifer Koplow
Jonathan Rutman**
Judd Holzman*
Julie Weinberg
Kaiya Bernard*
Lauren Kugelman**
Lisa Wilson*
Lori Shapiro**
Lydia Rifkind
Marnie Spiegel**
Melinda Grossman
Molly G. Levitt**
Nanci Dobkin**
Pamela Ruos
Sarah Casper-Davis**
Shannon Corona*
Sheri Levin**
Stacey Orleans**
Stacey Shor*
Terri Freeman**
Deborah Elbaum – My Light
For it is in giving that we receive. St. Francis of Assisi
“Tzedakah and acts of kindness are the equivalent of all the mitzvot of the Torah” – Jerusalem Talmud, Pe’ah 1:1.
Barry
* JCFS Response Staff
** 2025 Tuned In -The Larry Dobkin Event Planning Committee
THANK YOU!
...to the professional and lay leaders at Response For Teens for your tireless work for our community!
...to Nanci, Barry and Jonathan. My picture is on the invitation, but you did all the hard work!
...to the generous supporters of this event, especially the Honoree Committee and all the sponsors! Your commitment is deeply appreciated!
...to my phenomenal friends and endlessly supportive family for the unconditional love and support that I cherish most in this world!
This honor, and the ability to assist Response for Teens in their fundraising, is the greatest gift.
The funds raised today will make a profound impact, and I am so proud to be a part of its success!
Devra
CONGRATULATIONS, DEVRA!
Your commitment to Response for Teens and our broader Jewish community is truly remarkable!
Thank you to Barry Rubin, our co-chair, for your passion and leadership, to the entire RAC for your hard work and commitment to our mission to support the diverse needs of teenagers and their families for over 50 years!
Yasher koach to Lisa Wilson & Shannon Corona and the entire JCFS team whose expertise and dedication made this event a huge success.
Lastly, thank you to my family, Mom, Dad, Cassie, Izzie and Ari, for your love, support, and inspiration to fulfill the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam.
-Jonathan Rutman
Legacy, what is a legacy?
It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.
Larry, we will continue to nurture your garden until it grows into something just as beautiful and vivacious as you.
You might not be able to see it, but the world surely will.
I, along with your children and your community, will carry on your legacy for the rest of our lives.
Love you always, Nanci
Alex & Jess Carlie & Eric and Sydnie
Honoring
Our Incredible Daughter
DEVRA RESNICK SHUTAN
With heartfelt joy, we celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our daughter, Devra, as she is recognized by JCFS.
Her kindness, dedication to Tikkun Olam, and unwavering spirit make her a true inspiration to all who know her. We are so proud of the person she has become and the difference she continues to make in the lives of others.
Congratulations, Devra, on this well-deserved honor!
We love you endlessly.
With love,
Paula & Carl Resnick
We honor the legacy of our brother Larry who was a passionate supporter of JCFS and our sister-in-law Nanci who is an equally ardent volunteer.
KOL HAKAVOD to honoree Devra Shutan
Debbie and David Dobkin
Laura Dobkin and Ed Landesman
In honor of our daughter, Terri Freeman, who tirelessly works for and contributes to several charities, including Response for Teens. She always makes us proud.
Adrienne and Irwin Friedman
THANK YOU to GERALD A. HORWITZ and the Horwitz family for supporting RESPONSE FOR TEENS.
Devra
We are honored to be part of this special day. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our community. The leadership, generosity, and kindness that you have given has made a lasting impact.
With love,
The Erlebacher Family –Susie, Ross, Matthew, and Lizzey
I am so proud of my niece
DEVRA SHUTAN
Aunt Bobbie
Sue Lampert Congregation President
Garlin
Director
CONGRATULATIONS to
Devra Shutan for being selected as this year’s honoree.
The Koenig Family Foundation
CONGRATULATIONS TO DEVRA SHUTAN
Your dedication and hard work continues to be an inspiration to us and to the entire community.
We are so proud to support the critical work of Response for Teens, which is needed more now than ever.
Thank you to the incredible staff and members of the Response Advisory Council (RAC) for all of their hard work and helping the community.
Lori and Russell Shapiro
In a time when it is so easy to abandon our values and fall prey to hatred of the other, we need our youth to experience the compassion of Response for Teens.
In a time when it is so easy to abandon our values and fall prey to hatred of the other, we need our youth to experience the compassion of Response Center.
www.aitzhayim.org
Remembering
Larry Dobkin
CONGRATULATIONS DEVRA
Today as we celebrate the 18th Annual Tuned In Event benefiting Response for Teens, we offer congratulations to today’s honoree, Devra Shutan and to all the wonderful Extraordinary Teen Award nominees.
We celebrate those teens, the board, the volunteers and the staff who continue to bring amazing programs and support to so many. And of course, congratulations also to Response Advisory Council Chair, Lori Shapiro.
The Slovin Family
joey gault
beth wexler liz salinas
Devra, MAZEL TOV on receiving this much-deserved honor!
You are an inspiration and a force for all that is good!! Our Chicago community is lucky that you are ours!
With love and gratitude, Kim and Perry Shwachman
In support of RESPONSE FOR TEENS and its critical work and in honor of
DEVRA RESNICK SHUTAN
Linda
Soreff Siegel
Devra, Mazel Tov on this most-deserved honor!
You are a true a bright light in our community!
Your passion and dedication to all that is meaningful to you is an inspiration to us all.
May you go from strength to strength.
Melissa and Marc Spellman
MAZEL TOV
to Devra Shutan on your well-deserved recognition and THANK YOU
to JCFS and Response for Teens for everything you do for our community!
Howard Suskin
MAZEL TOV, DEVRA.
Thank you for your leadership. You always inspire us and we are proud to call you and your family our dear friends.
With love and gratitude, Debbie and Adam Winick
CONGRATULATIONS TO DEVRA!
We are so proud of all you do in our community.
Karen, Ethan, Daphne, Adam and Jeremy Budin
In honor of Nanci Dobkin and the RAC. THANK YOU for your continued leadership in our community!
Michelle and Jonathan Maer
DEVRA
Your passion for service and your ability to inspire others are qualities we admire deeply.
THANK YOU for all that you do for JCFS and the entire Jewish community. May you continue to lead with grace and inspire generations to come.
With heartfelt appreciation and admiration,
Lisa Aronin
MAZEL TOV DEVRA
on this well-deserved honor! Your unwavering dedication to tikkun olam, the Jewish people, Chicago community and Israel have made a profound impact on so many lives. Your generosity and commitment are an inspiration. We are so proud to call you a dear friend and to celebrate you!
All our love, Leslie and Greg Apter and family
THANK YOU to the incredible JCFS and Response for Teens staff and to the Response Advisory Council for your hard work and commitment to our teen community. It is an honor to be a part of this group.
Congratulations to this year’s honoree,
DEVRA SHUTAN
Lauren Kugelman
The Response education team will visit 16 schools during the 2024-25 school year.
“The
educators at Response are friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing inclusive materials that empower our students to thrive.”
-David Martinez, Rochelle Zelle Jewish High School
“I just wanted to thank you for a fantastic session with the teens. They were eager to participate, and your presentation was informative and interactive which was awesome. Thank you!”
-Rabbi Ari Moffic, Mishkan Chicago
86% of students felt better prepared to make informed decisions after receiving education from Response for Teens.
