American Jewish Committee recognizes regional president Anne Virag
ACJ West Coast Florida honored Virag for her work at the Dec. 9. dinner.
By
Harry Sayer
| 8:49 p.m. December 9, 2019
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American Jewish Committee West Coast Florida honored its regional president Dec. 9 during its National Leadership Award Dinner.Â
Hundreds of AJC supporters filled the Michael's On East ballroom— which had been given a winter wonderland makeover — in support of Anne Virag for her contributions and impact in the community over the years.
"We've accomplished a lot, and have a lot more to accomplish together," said AJC Regional Director Brian Lipton in his opening remarks that kicked off the dinner program.
But Lipton didn't stop there. He then revealed the night's big surprise — AJC had flown Virag's brother Sid Smith to Sarasota, where he embraced his sister and joined the program. Dinner was then served, followed by words from keynote speaker Avi Mayer and a musical tribute from the Five Points Quintet. The night ended with a tribute to Virag from Matt Walsh and a response from Virag herself.
Co-chairs Matt Walsh, Lisa Walsh, Emily Walsh, Marilyn Shuman, Regional President Anne Virag, Regional Director Brian Lipton, and co-chairs Jo and Stan Rutstein
Jim Selinski, Marilyn Kneafsey and Dean Pat Macaulay
Anne Virag was honored at the event.
Michael's On East had a winter transformation.
Liz Priestman with Cyndi and Keith Leonard
Regional President Anne Virag and Regional Director Brian Lipton
Regional Director Brian Lipton thanked the crowd.
Anne Virag was moved to tears at the surprise appearance of her brother Sid Smith.
Susie Steenbarger and Carol Hochman Dierksen
Diana Berlin with Laura and Colton Castro
Zahava and George Schillinger with Susan and Harold Halpern
Joseph Gianguzzo and Mary Jane Landphier
Carole and Mickey Fox
Jack and Adrea Sukin
Rabbi Brenner Glickman
Lauren and Todd Haven with Joyce and Rob Weiss
Linda and Bert Jakubs with Lynn Burton
Albert and Norma Cohen
Honorary co-chairs Randy and Lori Benderson
Meryl Taback and Dr. Mark Lewis
Wayne Ruben with Debbie and Larry Haspel
Avi Yoskowitz and Mariah Yoskowitz with Amy Keogh
Claudia, Terry, Randy, Abbey and Ari Siegel
Barbara Eisenberg, Sylvia Pastor and Barbara Brizdle
