AUGUST 22 • 2024 | 33
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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