We Painted a Bright Future...
at the NCJW/Essex Gala!
On an October night that felt more like summer than fall, a special type of warmth radiated from Crystal Plaza.
The reason: It was time for the NCJW/Essex GALA, this year honoring Phoebe Pollinger and Myrna Wertheimer, two phenomenal women who for decades have brought their talents, brilliance and passions to our causes and our community.
Friends, family and colleagues mingled, reminisced and swapped stories about our honorees as they caught up on each other’s lives. A one-time only Art Show paid tribute to Phoebe’s and Myrna’s lifelong love of the arts, and diverse pieces by local artists decorated our cocktail hour.
NCJW/Essex President Andrea Rakitta Mintz began the program by reminding us how connected we are – through the generations and by our organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for women, children and families and to safeguard individual rights and freedoms.
Scroll Down for More Pictures. All photos by Max Branigan.
Honoring Phoebe Pollinger
Samantha Coyne, Phoebe’s niece, took the stage next to introduce and honor her aunt. After capturing the attention of everyone in the room with a Phoebe-trademarked “Hello, honeys!”, Samantha proceeded to share some wonderful memories, highlighting Phoebe’s undying love for her family.
“She has always been a lighthouse and a guidepost, providing support and advice with love and without judgment,” Samantha said. “My Aunt Phoebe is independent, impassioned and authentic in everything she does.”
Phoebe has done so much for NCJW/Essex and for so many other organizations, several of which were represented at the GALA to celebrate such an outstanding leader, mentor and partner. Whether in pursuit of reproductive freedom and social justice, in support of the visual and performing arts, or as part of the great many collectives and coalitions that amplify these needs and outcomes, Phoebe’s passions, work ethic and strong values inform everything she does.
“I want to thank NCJW/Essex for giving me not only the opportunities to work on behalf of women, children and families, but for allowing me the space and flexibility to determine how,” she said.
Phoebe closed with some words of inspiration for her fellow volunteers. Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, she said, “Do not go whither the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Honoring Myrna Wertheimer
A cheer erupted from the audience when Jennie Goldsmith Rothman mentioned Myrna got her start at the North Hills Division of NCJW. This vocal group of women was joined by so many others in honoring Myrna’s lifetime of work with NCJW/Essex and in the community.
Jennie recounted their work together on committees and projects over the years and the many lessons Myrna imparted. These are just a few of Jennie’s favorite Myrna-isms:
“Be a trailblazer. Cultivate leadership in others. Make friends across the generations. Never stop learning. Just as they have for me, I’m certain these lessons will help make you a better leader and a better, happier human,” Jennie said.
Myrna’s impact has been felt in so many ways, but perhaps nowhere more than through her work on the issue of domestic violence prevention and awareness. She never shied away from addressing this challenging issue: listening, learning and doing, and literally saving lives.
It was during a teen dating violence program in Maplewood that Myrna first encountered a woman she suspected was being abused. Her instincts were correct, and when that woman reached out, Myrna jumped into action, collecting sheets, towels, a sleeping bag, toys and a very special lamp from her home, all of which she delivered to this woman so she had a few basics when she left her abuser.
Fast forward a decade: following a domestic violence program at a synagogue in Montclair, a woman in the back of the room looked familiar.
Myrna continued, “She asked me, ‘Do you remember me?’ and said her name. We fell into each other’s arms, and she thanked me for saving her life. She said she had to leave or she’d break down and ran out. I bawled my eyes out there and all the way home. I saved her life.”
Their paths would cross once again at the Back 2 School Store when the woman, now a grandmother and the leader of one of the agencies that participates, brought her daughter and two grandchildren to shop. Myrna was working at the registration table, and when the two saw each other again, they could not stop beaming.
“NCJW gave me the platform and all these amazing opportunities. Thank you to all who have made this possible for me,” Myrna said, smiling once again.
Painting a Bright Future Together
Planning a celebration like the GALA requires creativity, patience, perseverance and above all, teamwork. The Gala committee was led by Teddi Dolph and Jennie Goldsmith Rothman who brought everyone together and didn’t overlook a single detail. The committee – populated by dear friends of our honorees – included Nancy Cohen, Nancy Eskow, Sharon Falkin, Linda Jacobs, Leslie Lavinthal, Isabel Margolin, Lisa Santola, VP of Fund Development Lori Gelman and NCJW/Essex President Andrea Rakitta Mintz. Paula Green and Jill Sorkin Johnson created the wonderful ad journal that captured sparkling sentiments about our honorees.
An enormous thank you to all our benefactors, sponsors, and the nearly 200 people who celebrated with us in person. Honoring Phoebe and Myrna was a joy, and it was wonderful to do it together!
It was a marvelous night!
