Philanthropist Susan Rothenberg honored with the Wonderful Outstanding Woman Award at the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles Big Dreams Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

by Christophe Choo
Tuesday starting at 11 AM was a full packed house in the Sunset Room at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills. The Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Dreams of Los Angeles hosted a Luncheon honoring Philanthropist Susan Rothenberg with the WOW (Wonderful Outstanding Woman Award), Lisa Stevens with the Community Impact Award & Tessa Kaganoff with the Big Sister of the Year Award. Close to 300 people were in attendance and began the day with a shopping big time spree in the room adjacent to the ballroom where there were numerous vendors on hand selling everything from fine diamond & gemstone jewelry, fashion jewelry, handbags, clothing, pajamas, scarves and a bevy of other items with 20% of the proceeds going to the foundation.

As said by Susan Greenberg Kunik, Gala Chairwoman “Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters is a terrific group that truly understands the impact of altruism and all the leadership, and staff at Jewish Big Brothers Bid Sisters, and all the volunteers work tirelessly to fulfill children’s Big Dreams every day.” This organization also runs Camp Max Straus and a program called Excellence in Mentoring as well as many others where prominent community members can become mentors for young people to help support them with their dream & hopes and help them know that someone cares about helping them to succeed in life.

Susan Rothenberg commented, “The best, the brightest and most talented are not successful only because they are passionate, but they work hard and most importantly , give to others.” This is so true and if only more members of our community would get involved in these type of mentor ship programs, they have no idea what a difference it would make for the future of our country and the world.

Personally having been a mentor for many years, I can say it was one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences I have had and I encourage anyone who has any interest in being a mentor or in supporting the Big Dreams of youth to contact the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles and get involved. Some of the programs they have are the Big Brother or Big Sister Mentorship Programs, Camp Max Straus, Chanukah Camp, Witherbee Wilderness, Counselor-In-Training Program, Sport Buddies & Arts Buddies as well as a Scholarship Program and School Based Mentoring Program. You can go to their website for more information: www.JBBBSLA.org or simply call them to get involved at (323)761-8675. A great organization and a very worth cause.

My sincere congratulations to Susan, Lisa & Tessa for the great work you do to support this great cause, your awards are well deserved.