ELEVATE
HOWARD J. SWIBEL
Irving B. Harris Leadership Award
Howard Swibel has been a devoted Jewish communal leader and philanthropist for over 40 years. He served as President of Chicago’s Community Foundation for Jewish Education, and held senior board roles with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, the Anti-Defamation League, and various divisions of the Jewish Federation. His efforts have strengthened JCFS Chicago’s Knapp School and Yeshiva. He is a senior partner at Saul Ewing, LLP and was elected President of the Uniform Law Commission, a 50-state body that drafts and promotes uniform laws. Howard has 4 children and 3 grandsons, and lives with his wife, Gail Regenbogen, in Skokie.
MARCI FRIEDMAN
What’s Possible Award
Marci Friedman has been a dedicated leader within JCFS Chicago for more than 25 years, serving as a board member and volunteer who always looks towards what’s possible. Marci’s passion for empowering others has spanned community service agencies, court advocacy, substance abuse treatment, crisis intervention, and healthcare. Upon earning a Master of Social Work, she turned her professional focus to supporting people in crisis in hospital emergency rooms even as she continued her extensive volunteer work. Marci’s drive to improve lives and her unwavering devotion to her community embody the very essence of the What’s Possible Award.
THANK YOU to all of our generous donors for supporting Elevate this year. Your commitment and generosity made this event a meaningful success, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in advancing our mission.
We are also proud to celebrate and honor Howard J. Swibel and Marci Friedman, whose leadership and dedication inspire all of us.
Together, your support helps us redefine what’s possible for individuals and families in our community. We could not do this work without you — thank you for being part of Elevate.
PROGRAM
6:00PM
Music, dining, cocktails, and mocktails
7:00PM
Program and honoree remarks
8:00PM
Music and dessert reception
Dietary laws observed under Kosher certification.
20,596 people are impacted annually by JCFS Chicago services
A non-profit social service agency, JCFS Chicago strengthens self-sufficiency, belonging, and wellbeing among individuals and families in the Jewish and broader Chicago communities. Children, teens, adults, and families benefit from the expertise and assistance that JCFS provides.
• Counseling and psychological evaluations
• Support for people with disabilities and their families
• Special education through grade 12+
• Pediatric speech-language and occupational therapies
• Immigration and citizenship services
• Education and support for issues that impact the Jewish community
• Career and employment services
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
This list includes all sponsors who made a gift before 5/29/26. Thank you to all our supporters who made a gift after our program book went to print.
AMBASSADOR
($50,000 - $99,999)
Iris and Michael Smith and Family
FOUNDER
($25,000 - $49,999)
The Friedman Family
Howard Suskin
Howard J. Swibel and Gail Regenbogen
PATRON
($10,000 - $24,999)
Mitchell Kaufman
Larry and Sheryl Swibel and Family
Laurie and Milton Wakschlag
BENEFACTOR
($5,000 - $9,999)
Toby Bernstein and Lynn Freeman
Carol Brody
Susan S. Duman
The Frankenthal Group Foundation, LTD
Andrew M. Glick and Tracey L. Kite
Stephanie Gray
The Grayson Family
Cissy and Bill Greenspan
Michael and Ellen Gross
Julie Hamos
The Huntington National Bank JRG Capital Partners, LLC
Emily and Jason Keith
Barbara Kent
Carrie and Randall Klein
Pam and Rod Levy
Shari Young Lewis and Jeffrey Lewis
Lisa and William Libman
Jessica and Aaron Lorber
Jodi and Gregg Newmark
Laurie and Neal Price
Nirit and Gil Raviv
Karen and Richard Reisin
Randee and Robert Romanoff
Renee Birnberg Silberman and Dr. Joseph Silberman
Karyn and Bill Silverstein
Melissa and Marc Spellman
Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP
Steven and Ronna Warshauer
Linda and Stanley Weissbrot
LEADER
($2,500 - $4,999)
Susan and Bill Abrams
Jamie Baum and Robert Mann
Asher and Ellen Bronfeld
June Finder
Rock and Beth Edwards
Ruth Freedman and Dan Wander
Mark and Susan Gerb
Martha and Brad Glass
Susan and David Goldberg
Sharon Joseph
Linda Kellough
Catherine and Tom Kosnik
Fran and Mark Levy
Lawrence and Beth Markin
Mesirow Financial
Leah and Larry Richman
Louis and Jackie Robinson
RSM US, LLP
Sarnoff Property Tax
Bradley and Susan Schulman
John and Cheryl Seder
Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
David and Stacey Shor
Linda Soreff Siegel
Judy L. and Michael Smith
Andi and Michael Srulovitz
Toria and Steven Stender
Abby Strauss and Leonard Gilbert
The Herbert C. Wenske Foundation
GUARDIAN
($1,000 - $2,499)
Anonymous
Elizabeth Ballis
Andrew and Gail Brown
Michael Capone and Adriana Hernandez-Capone
Dr. Stanley and Ruthie Friedell
Adrienne and Irwin Friedman
Zellmer and Judi Fromm
David and Carol Golder
Candice Goldstein and Dr. Abraham Steinberg
Arthur and Kathy Hahn
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Adrienne Barbakoff Kriezelman and Jeffrey Kriezelman
Thomas and Marcia Korman
Lenox Capital Management, Inc.
David and Tammy Lorber
Alan Miretzky and Sharon Kahan
Jacob Morowitz
Steven and Iris Podolsky
Elliott and Ronni Robinson
Adam and Susie Rosenbaum
Lee Rosenberg
Greta Rothschild and Robert Eisenstadt
Midge Perlman Shafton
Kim and Perry Shwachman
Howard and Deb Sitron
Ali Stone and Sam Smith
Susan and Jeff Stern
Michael and Jane Strauss
Gary Wolfson and Lisa Seltzer
EVENT LEADERSHIP
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Stephanie Gray and Pamela Levy
EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE
Andrew M. Glick
Burt Levy
Jessica Lorber
Louis Robinson
Barbara Statland
HONOREE COMMITTEE
Michelle Brand
Jordan Friedman
Rebecca Friedman and David Spreckman
Martha and Brad Glass
Susan and David Goldberg
Cissy and Bill Greenspan
Joel Horowitz
Carrie and Randall Klein
Sheryl Kozberg
Samantha Levinson
Lisa and William Libman
Lindsey Lopatin
Jacob Morowitz
Gail Regenbogen
Karen and Richard Reisin
Susie and Adam Rosenbaum
Melissa and Marc Spellman
Sheri Spielman
Liz Xilas
HOST COMMITTEE
Toby Bernstein and Lynn Freeman
June Finder
Ruth Freedman and Dan Wander
Linda Kellough
Fran and Mark Levy
Jodi and Gregg Newmark
Laurie and Neal Price
Bradley and Susan Schulman
Midge Perlman Shafton
Judy L. and Michael Smith
Andi and Michael Srulovitz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Simon Fleischmann Chair
Todd Grayson Chair-Elect
Gayle Miller
Secretary
Jeanette Zemsky
Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS
Eric Baer
Laura Elkayam
Ryan Ferris
Stuart Frankenthal
Dr. Stanley Friedell MD
Wendy Gale
Andrew M. Glick
Stephanie Gray
Michael Capone
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chairs
Robert Brimm
David Greenbaum
Howard Suskin
Liz Roberts Turnipseed
Cheri Grossman
Zachary Kafitz
Mitchell Kaufman
Emily Keith
Burt Levy
Pam Levy
Shari Young Lewis
Jessica Lorber
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Pamela K. Adelman
Stephen R. Ballis z”l
David Bardach
Patricia Cantor z”l
Jules Cogan
Robert Don z”l
Judith Feldman
June S. Finder
Marvin Fitch z”l
Bruce Goldman
Marla Gordon
Alan S. Gratch z”l
Ted R. Jadwin
James B. Klutznick
Thomas Korman
H. Debra Levin
Leonard Levine
Fran Levy
Mark Levy
Stanley L. Pollock
Neil Posner
Stephen L. Schar
At-large Executive Committee Members
Carol Henriques
Louis Robinson
Adam Tarantur
Jennifer Lucas Randee Romanoff
Toria Stender
Erich Sternberg
Gail Dallas (Response Advisory Council)
Susan Schulman
Midge P. Shafton
David Smerling
Andi Srulovitz
Jeffrey E. Stone
Don C. Trossman
Daniel J. Wander
Marc R. Wilkow
Gregg F. Witt
Brenda J. Wolf
Milton Zimmerman
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Stacey Shor
YES, we have good reason to celebrate the ongoing, impactful work of JCFS.
But let us never forget the Prophet’s teaching that the Lord has submitted us as a light unto the nations.
Many in the community are challenged; many need help. There is so much more work for us to do. Our families are committed to continuing the work. We are grateful for your love and support.
Gail Regenbogen and Howard Swibel
I am honored to be affiliated with JCFS for more than 25 years. It has been a true privilege to volunteer alongside the exceptional professionals of JCFS whose dedication and commitment to empower individuals and families is truly inspiring. The wide range of services JCFS provides to support, strengthen, and enrich the lives of people across the Chicagoland area is extraordinary. I am in awe of the staff, volunteers, and leadership whose work makes such a meaningful difference every day.
With so much gratitude, Marci Friedman
THANK YOU
Howard Swibel, Marci Friedman, and JCFS
FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
Howard Suskin
In honor of Howard Swibel, and the extraordinary work of JCFS Chicago.
Howard, your leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others have made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Through your dedication, you have helped strengthen families, uplift individuals, and create lasting impact throughout the community.
Thank you for your remarkable leadership and for helping ensure that so many are met with dignity, support, and opportunity.
With love and admiration, Iris, Michael, Tara, Brian, Charley, Kaily & Sydney
Howard, This award is well-deserved, as your hard work has changed many lives for the better.
A
hearty
MAZEL TOV
With love from Larry, Sheryl and our whole family!
In honor of JCFS for its unwavering commitment to providing supports that enable inclusive, actualized, and engaged lives for Jewish adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within their communities. On behalf of our children, Tmima and Efraim, and all the participants who benefit from the Residential Supports Program.
Special gratitude for the leadership of Stacey Shor, the heroic and lively efforts of Letícia Cardoso, who leads Residential Supports with grace and vision, and the unfailing dedication of the staff, who serve devotedly day in and day out.
Laurie and Milt Wakschlag
MAZEL TOV HOWARD
You deserve this honor.
We love you, Sheryl and Cary
“He who teaches a child is as if he had created it.”
-The Talmud, Sanhedrin 19b
Congratulations to Howard Swibel and all those who strengthen JCFS
Chicago’s Knapp School and Yeshiva
Alison, Tara, Brian, Charley, Elizabeth Matthew, Jacob and Aaron Swibel
Congratulations to JCFS for another successful year of serving our community.
Special congratulations to
MARCI FRIEDMAN AND HOWARD SWIBEL
in recognition of their outstanding service.
Neal and Laurie Price
A HUGE THANK YOU AMAZING STAFF
to the
of HEICHAL HOUSE
You work tirelessly to provide support, security, companionship and joy to all the residents.
And congrats to this year’s honorees and to all who work behind the scenes to make JCFS the wonderful organization that it is!
KOL HAKAVOD TO ALL!
Renee Birnberg Silberman and Dr. Joseph Silberman
CONGRATULATIONS to the dedicated staff at the Kaufman Wolf Center for Trauma & Resilience for bringing healing and hope to those facing life-changing events through your commitment to Tikkun Olam.
Mitch Kaufman
Ross
Blake Asset Management is proud to support the meaningful work of JCFS
Ross Blake Asset Management provides institutional quality asset management services tailored for small and midsize commercial real estate firms. We position sponsors to scale their business, attract equity partners, and enhance the value of their portfolio while minimizing corporate overhead.
On behalf of Daniel and the Skokie
home
THANK YOU to the wonderful JCFS Staff for creating a warm, safe and welcoming home!
With much appreciation, Leah and Larry Richman
MARCI-
We are so proud and overjoyed to be celebrating you and all that you have accomplished in making the lives of so many better with your heart, commitment and dedication! It shines through in all that you do!
We love you, Melissa and Marc Spellman and Family
MAZEL TOV
to this year’s honorees and THANK YOU to JCFS for all you do for our community.
Marcia and Tom Korman
In honor of the great work done by Letícia Cardoso and JCFS!
With gratitude from Iris and Steve Poldosky and Family
To my fellow compatriots at JCFS –you make me continually proud to be a Jew in Chicago!
Susan Duman
HOWARD SWIBEL and
MARCI FRIEDMAN
Congratulations on your awards and thank you for all that you have done for our community.
Andy Glick and Tracy Lipsig Kite
THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS
to all who make JCFS so successful and meaningful to our community.
Jackie and Louis Robinson
Greenspan/Scully
Howard Swibel
THANK YOU to the remarkable staff and leadership of JCFS for the compassion, humanity, and dedication that you bring to our community each and every day. Your work has impacted countless lives and given hope to so many individuals and families.
MAZEL TOV
to this year’s incredible honorees, Howard Swibel and Marci Freidman in recognition of their outstanding service to JCFS and the community at large!
We are deeply grateful for all that you do!
With deep appreciation, Pam and Rod Levy
Congratulations and thank you to
SIMON FLEISCHMANN
on your very successful two-year term as Board Chair. You have helped grow our mission in so many positive ways. And tremendous appreciation to the entire JCFS team for all the meaningful work done year after year that supports so many in our community.
The Grayson Family
Mom, Mazel tov on receiving the What’s Possible Award!
We are so incredibly proud of you and the amazing work you do for your community. Your dedication, leadership, generosity, and passion inspire us every day. You truly make a difference in so many people’s lives.
We love you so much!
Jordan, Rebecca & David
To Howard J. Swibel and Marci Friedman, your commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact. Thank you for all you’ve done to strengthen our community.
To tonight’s co-chairs, Stephanie Gray and Pam Levy, and the entire JCFS Chicago Board, thank you for your leadership and for helping make this evening such a success.
Stacey Shor
MAZEL TOV
to this year’s honorees,
Howard J. Swibel and
Marci Friedman
THANK YOU to the entire staff of JCFS for your enduring commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities across Chicago.
Stephanie Gray and Family
JCFS:
What a great organization Keep up all that you do.
Stan and Ruthie Friedell
THANK YOU JCFS
for all the fine work you do for our special adult children.
Susan and Mark Gerb
Toby Bernstein and Lynn Freeman Bernstein Congratulations
to the honorees on your well-deserved awards and recognition of your leadership and contributions to the community and JCFS Chicago.
MAZEL TOV!
Howard, we are so proud to call you and Gail our friends.
With love and gratitude, Sharon Kahan and Alan Miretzky
CONGRATULATIONS to Howard J. Swibel and Marci Friedman on your well-deserved awards!
Dear Marci, Mazal Tov on this well-deserved honor.
Tonight we celebrate not only your accomplishments, but the generosity, empathy, warmth and integrity you bring to everything you do.
Your dedication to JCFS over the years and to improving the lives of others makes this recognition especially meaningful.
Thank you for being an inspiration to so many and for being an important part of all of our lives.
With love,
Susan and David Goldberg Missy, Brett, Amber, Jason, and Savvy
MAZAL TOV
to our dear friend, Howard Swibel, on receiving the Irving B. Harris Leadership Award. This well-deserved honor reflects your commitment, steadfast support, and continued dedication to the Jewish community.
With admiration and gratitude for all you do, Greta Rothschild & Rob Eisenstadt
To a woman of great courage, generosity and heart who has found so many ways to help and support so many. With love, Deb and Howard
In support of the health, social and educational services JCFS provides to individuals, families and the community.
Linda Soreff Siegel
CONGRATULATIONS to HOWARD J. SWIBEL and MARCI FRIEDMAN
on being this year’s award winners!
The Frankenthal Group Foundation, Ltd
CONGRATULATIONS
to our wonderful honorees,
HOWARD J. SWIBEL and
MARCI FRIEDMAN
Ellen and Michael Gross
MAZEL TOV
to Howard Swibel on receiving the 2026 Irving B. Harris Leadership Award. We are thrilled to celebrate your extraordinary leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community. Congratulations as well to JCFS Chicago for the incredible work you do each day to strengthen and support our community.
Rob and Randee Romanoff
We are privileged to support the lifesaving and life-affirming work of JCFS.
Our community is stronger, healthier, and safer because of what JCFS’s employees do every day.
THANK YOU
Judy L. and Michael Smith
THANK YOU
to Howard Swibel for helping to make a real difference in the lives of so many.
Jayne and Steve Hanauer
We are proud of the good work that you do! We are happy to be a part of it. Celebrating Howard and Gail Swibel. With love, Susan and Jeff A. Stern
Danny’s family expresses its gratitude to JCFS for its commitment to community-based living opportunities!
Danny, Jake, Jonathan and Matt we are proud of you and all that you have accomplished!
Thank you to JCFS
for all you do for the community!
Because of JCFS Residential Supports, RJ has enjoyed 10 wonderful years of growth and independence at the Beit Simcha home.
We deeply appreciate and are grateful for the entire team who supports him. Rock and Beth Edwards
Beit Simcha
A Decade of Independence
Thank you to JCFS and the most amazing Beit Simcha staff for your tireless efforts in assisting our son to live a meaningful life.
We are so grateful for your support, your compassion, and your passion for the work you do.
On our decade of independence, a special shout out to the current Beit Simcha staff: Christina, Keith, Juanita, Tiffany, Mornae, Antonio, Thomas, Steven, Tanya, and Daniel
From Barbara and Bradley Kent
CONGRATULATIONS to HOWARD J. SWIBEL and MARCI FRIEDMAN on
Congratulations to Marci Friedman on this big honor!
Your dedication to supporting your community in every way possible is truly inspiring!
With much gratitude and love, Martha and Brad Glass
With deep appreciation for the hardworking staff at JCFS Chicago, whose extraordinary work brings compassion, care, and hope to individuals and families throughout our community.
With gratitude and admiration, Jeffrey & Shari Young Lewis
We are proud to join JCFS Chicago in paying special tribute to
Howard J. Swibel
Irving B. Harris Leadership Award
Marci Friedman
What’s Possible Award
In appreciation of the important work you do in our community.
Linda & Stanley Weissbrot
MAZEL TOV!
Well-deserved honor for Howard Swibel and Marci Friedman
Thank you for all you do for the Jewish community!
Ruth Freedman & Dan Wander
The Herbert C. Wenske Foundation
CONGRATULATIONS
MARCI on this wonderful honor!
You truly deserve to be honored for your work with JCFS, your desire to start a new career and help people in need by attaining your Masters in Social Work, and your continued work since then—helping people in emergency rooms at all hours, day and night. Your passion and perseverance are truly admirable.
Stacy Shaham
Mazel Tov to Howard, our dear friend for over 50 years! We are pleased to celebrate with your family and friends your commitment to JCFS, as well as your longtime leadership and support of the Jewish community.
With all our love, Jay and Idie Zimbler, their children and grandchildren
MarciCongratulations on this much deserved honor! We are so excited to celebrate you and everything you have accomplished for JCFS Chicago. You always inspire us with your commitment and energy towards amazing organizations.
Love, Adam & Susie Rosenbaum
THANK YOU to JCFS for managing our son Noah’s home, where he has been thriving for 14 years. Noah is living his best life!
JCFS does amazing work in training staff to support individuals in their homes and integrating them into their community.
Big kudos to Letícia Cardoso, Director of Residential Supports and Michelle Dubose, Supervisor/House Manager for their ongoing guidance and oversight, while ensuring each resident’s preferences and needs are met.
Congratulations and special thanks to the honorees this year, Howard J. Swibel and Marci Friedman.
Thank you, JCFS! Asher, Ellen, and Noah
A huge THANK YOU
to the amazing staff at Residential Supports, who, every day, get up and dedicate their time to making lives better for others. You provide support, joy and meaning to all the house residents. We are deeply grateful. And congrats to this year’s honorees and to all who work behind the scenes to make JCFS the impactful agency that it is!
Sharon Liss Joseph & Michael Joseph
We are beyond grateful for JCFS and to their amazing staff for everything that they do for Eric and our family. We are lucky to have them in our circle!
Beth and Larry Markin
THANK YOU to JCFS Chicago for many wonderful years of supporting Daniel.
We’re grateful for all you do for the community.
Nirit and Gil Raviv
Abraham Steinberg & Candace Goldstein
