AUGUST 22 • 2024 | 33
J
N
O
n May 22, at the Flagstar
Strand Theatre in Pontiac,
Jewish Family Service of
Metro Detroit (JFS) hosted its annual
Spotlight Event, raising awareness
and critical funds. The night was
generously sponsored by the Reva
Stocker Lecture Series.
The event shone a light on mental
health and suicide prevention and
awareness, one of the many services
provided by JFS in the areas of
mental health and wellness.
While mental health is no laughing
matter, the evening was billed as “
A
Night of Laughter” featuring popular
stand-up comic Gary Gulman,
an eminent performer who has
overcome mental health challenges.
Gulman, who has struggled with
depression, captivated an audience
of more than 400 people for an hour
with humor and candor.
JFS could not shine a light on
mental health and suicide prevention
without recognizing the work of
Rabbi Daniel Syme, rabbi emeritus
of Temple Beth El. Honored for his
dedication to suicide prevention,
Rabbi Syme was recognized for
his program at JFS, A Single Soul,
inspired by the teaching in the
Talmud “He who saves a single
soul, saves the entire world.
” This
impactful program has trained more
than 1,000 community members,
both laypeople and professionals,
potentially saving countless lives.
After an hour of laughs, guests
attended a dessert reception and
afterglow where Gary Gulman met
attendees and signed copies of his
book Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in
the Eighties.
Thanks to event co-chairs Gail
Danto and Art Roffey, and Jordon
and Alex Wertheimer, more than
$390,000 was raised from sponsors,
community members and supporters.
Dollars raised go to support the
greatest needs of the agency to sup-
port the more than 15,000 individuals
who rely on JFS’ support annually.
To support the work of Jewish Family Service or
to honor Rabbi Syme, visit jfsdetroit.org/donate.
Spotlight on Mental
Health: JFS Raises
$390,000
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JFS
Samantha and
Michael Foon
Joanne Danto
and Arnold
Weingarden
Randy Orley, Karen Kelman, Paul Chabon, Anson Smuts and Laura Smuts
Gary Gulman
and Lisa and
Jason Klein
Art Roffey, Gail
Danto, Jordon
Wertheimer, Marc
Bakst and Perry
Ohren