fo Life!

ROUND TOWN

Lisa and Bill Ford Jr. with cousins Francee and Benson Ford

Don Benyas and Florine Mark of Farmington Hills

Community Builders

T

JCC bestows recognition awards on Bill Ford Jr. and Florine Mark at gala.

wo giants in the worlds of busi-
ness and philanthropy shared
the spotlight and received spe-
cial honors at the second annual gala
celebration at the Jewish Community
Center in West Bloomfield. More than 300
people gathered at the April 24 event to
applaud Ford Motor Company Executive
Chairman William Clay Ford Jr. and
Weight Watchers Group President and
CEO Florine Mark as they were presented
with "Boneh Kehillah" (Builder of the
Community) awards.
Ford is the first non-Jewish recipient
of the award, but JCC president Irwin

Alterman said the Dearborn-
honoree. In the case of Bill Ford,
based auto company leader
he honors us by accepting this
has a close association with
award and coming to the JCC."
the Jewish community.
Alterman said. "Bill is truly the
Each year, the Ford Motor
gold standard among corporate
Company Fund is a major
executives. Who would think
contributor to Federation's
that a car guy would be into the
Annual Campaign. In 2002,
environment? It's an oxymoron."
the company made a $2
Ford is a lifelong environmen-
million contribution via
talist
and is responsible for the
Robin Schwartz
Federation to the JCC to fund
first
Ford
Motor Company wild-
Columnist
Shalom Street, the largest
life habitat. As vice chairman
corporate gift Detroit's Jewish
of the Detroit Lions, he also led
community has ever received.
efforts to build Ford Field in Detroit using
"When we give an award, we honor the
recycled tires for the playing surface and

other environmentally friendly methods.
He's also an avid fly fisherman and is a
black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
"I can't tell you how honored and
touched I am to receive this award," Ford
told the crowd. "To be recognized for the
work one has done in one's own commu-
nity and particularly by those whose faith
calls for them to make the world a better
place, that's really a special honor indeed."

A Dream Come True

The evening's co-honoree, Florine Mark,
said her ability to give back to the Jewish,
community represents a dream come true.

From left to right:
JCC President Irwin
Alterman

Florine Marks' son-
in law and daughter,
Hannan and Lisa Lis

Susie and Marc
Schechter of
Bloomfield Hills

32

May 3 • 2007