Event Recaps Turning Dreams into Diplomas: A Night That Reflected JELF’s Impact — and Its Future

On December 2, 2025 more than 225 supporters, volunteers, alumni, and community leaders gathered at the Distillery of Modern Art for JELF’s annual celebration, Turning Dreams into Diplomas—an evening that captured both the heart of our mission and the extraordinary momentum behind it.

The night marked a milestone year for JELF. In 2024 alone, the organization provided over $2 million in interest-free loans, helping Jewish students across the country continue their education without taking on high-interest debt. What once felt ambitious now reflects JELF’s growing reach—and the community that makes it possible.

The evening began with a festive reception, complete with specialty craft cocktails, appetizers and sushi, giving guests time to reconnect, reflect, and share personal stories about how JELF has touched their families and communities.

Event co-chair Warren Binderman shared reflections on how far JELF has come, and surprised the room with exciting news: a $20,000 matching gift, pledged by a longtime supporter and their family, encouraging guests to double their impact in real time.

The evening also served as a moment of gratitude. Outgoing Board Chair Emily Sauerteig looked back on JELF’s growth over the past several years, noting that not long ago, a record year meant supporting 200 students with $1 million in loans. Today, JELF is assisting nearly 500 students with approximately $2.3 million—a testament to both need and collective generosity.

Several individuals were honored for their leadership and service. Josh Schaier was recognized for ten years of dedication to JELF, and former board chairs from the past decade were acknowledged for their continued commitment to the organization’s success.

Special volunteer awards highlighted the evening. The Garber Family Award was presented by Dr. Marianne Garber to Bob Thompson, honoring his thoughtful leadership and steady guidance over two decades. Eydie Koonin presented the Koonin Family Service Award which recognized board members Ross Linzer, Aaron Lipson, and Eitan Ovadia for their exceptional service and impact. It was especially exciting to have Ross and Eitan join from South Florida for the momentous evening!

Throughout the program, attendees heard directly from the people at the center of JELF’s work. A video montage featured loan recipients sharing what interest-free support has meant for their ability to stay enrolled, focus on their studies, and move forward with dignity.

Incoming Board Chair Richard Peretz, himself a beneficiary of an interest-free educational loan earlier in life, concluded the program by talking about the long-term ripple effect of JELF’s model—how one loan can change not just a student’s future, but generations to come.

With a continued 99% repayment rate, JELF’s impact extends well beyond the moment a loan is issued. Each student who repays helps fund the next—creating a sustainable cycle of support rooted in trust, responsibility, and shared values.

As the night came to a close, one message was clear: JELF’s work is growing because its community believes deeply in what’s possible when students are given the chance to succeed.