Lawrence Jackier of West Bloomfield, Ford Executive Vice President Mark Fields and Mark Davidoff of West Bloomfield She recently donated $2 million to support health and fitness programs at the JCC, and toward the completion of the Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit (JN story coming on May 3). "Who would have thought my family and I would be able to make such a wonderful contribution? I would dream as a little girl of one day becoming a movie star, or a singer or dancer, and making people happy," Mark said. "But, this gift that my fam- ily and I were able to give tops all of my dreams. This is my ultimate dream." "Florine is a treasure not only to the general community and the Jewish community, she's a special treasure to the JCC," Alterman said. "She's what I call a triple threat; she's personally very active as is her family, she has given a lot of money to the center, and third, she's one of our biggest boost- ers. In addition to being the largest Weight Watchers franchise owner in the world from her Farmington Hills headquarters, Mark serves as an advi- sor, advocate and board member on 35 committees and civic organiza- tions. She's a member of the JCC's executive committee, and serves on Federation's board of governors, the board of directors of the Jewish Fund and the Jewish Women's Foundation, and the advisory board of the Jewish Healing Center. "Things weren't always easy for me or my family," Mark recalled dur- ing her speech. "I remember what it was like growing up in Detroit, on Elmhurst and Linwood. We were poor and in one house with my mother, father, sisters, six aunts and uncles. My grandmother taught me first-hand the rewards of philanthropy. Even though we were poor, my grandmother still believed it was very important for us to give back; to give what we could no matter what it was." Building a Better Tomorrow Just by accepting their awards, Ford and Mark helped raise more than $200,000 for youth programming at the JCC including after school activi- ties, school break camps, and inclu- sion programming for children with special needs. Guests paid $180 per person to attend the dinner. Additional money was raised during live and silent actions where some big ticket items, like a 2007 red Ford Mustang convertible, donated by the Ford Motor Company Fund, were up for bids. Other auction items included a golf outing with football great Barry Sanders, a $2,000 shopping spree at the Somerset Collection in Troy, and lunch with Broadway composer Charles Strouse in New York. The eve- ning ended with a decadent strolling dessert reception and uplifting words from both honorees. "We can make a difference, we can build a better world," said Ford. "The work you're doing here in this build- ing and in this community is proof of the "Giving back to the community and loving yourself and your family and friends is a gift of joy that you receive in return," added Mark. "Helping oth- ers doesn't always mean just writing that check, it's also giving of time, your knowledge, sharing your passion and resources — that is what matters also." Brian and Jennifer Siegel of West Bloomfield and Scott Kaufman of Huntington Woods ON PREMISES: • Storage • Cleaning & Glazing • Shearling Hand Cleaning • Repairs • Restyles • Alterations with pre-payment when you store and clean your fur on pre-paid storage only 181 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009 PHONE (248) 642-1690 CeresnieandOffenfurs.com HOURS Mon.-Fri. 10 – 6 PM, Sat. 10 – 5 PM FREE $250 GIFT CARD — Towards a fur priced over $2,000 with pre-paid cleaning and storage. One per customer. See store for details. Free parking at store front, additional free parking behind the store. ASTREWS CREATIVE JEWELERS 120 WEST MAPLE DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM.248-644-1651 1/2 Block W. of Old Woodward - Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 10-5:30 • Thurs 10-8 Major Credit Cards Accepted • Call us Toll Free at 1-877-ASTREIN WWW,ASTREINS,COM May 3 • 2007 33