Scarsdale Women Honored by UJA-Federation

Nearly 150 guests came together to celebrate UJA-Federation of New York's commitment to caring for those in need and to pay tribute to four Scarsdale leaders through hands-on projects on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. Tris Berger, Kate Eichel, Rochelle Waldman, and Mauri Zemachson were honored for their leadership, ongoing philanthropic efforts, and commitment to UJA-Federation and the community.

The four honorees have each been involved with UJA-Federation for decades. Together, they represent past Scarsdale leadership, current commission and task force representatives, and National Young Leadership members. Individually and together, they lead by example.

"These women have led — and continue to lead — with enthusiasm, passion, purpose, and poise. Our community is stronger because of them," said Jocelyn Sontag, who served as event chair with Rickie Broff, Joan Frankle, and Jamie Seslowe, all of Scarsdale. "Most of you know our honorees, so you know what that means: low-key and humble! So, in true Tris, Kate, Rochelle, and Mauri form, we'll devote this morning to helping others while highlighting the work that we, together, make possible."

UJA-Federation raises funds that sustain the activities of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies. These community-based organizations provide services that combat poverty, help the elderly age with dignity, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, open doors to those with disabilities and special needs, and more.

Chosen by the honorees, the day's hands-on projects benefitted UJA-Federation-supported initiatives that focus on mental health.

The first project included making pampering packages for single women whose children receive mental health treatment through Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS). Money raised during the event supported WJCS' Mental Health Clinics Initiative campaign, which was established to make up for New York State budget cuts that have impacted Medicaid's mental-health reimbursements. Without those funds, 4,600 treatment sessions will be lost in a year.

The second project involved writing letters of support to professional caregivers at the Israel Trauma Coalition, a consortium of trauma-relief agencies that UJA-Federation created in 2001. "These women are on the front lines in Israel supporting those who are victims of terror," explained Seslowe. "These women are sad, tired, and in desperate need of support and self-care." The ITC is currently working to help its dedicated professionals cope with all they have experienced as they treat victims.

"Tris, Kate, Mauri and Rochelle are very special women — as evidenced by the number of us who came today to pay tribute to them and by this morning's program," said Broff. "They're truly dedicated, humble, and remarkably smart."

Pam Frankel-Stein and Vivian Sklar serve as Scarsdale divisional chairs. Stefanie Elman, Karen Estrin, Meg Lazarus, Leslie Perelman, and Nicky Ziman are Scarsdale area chairs.