New York City - The Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (JBFCS) brought together a who's-who of New York society to celebrate its Annual Spring Benefit, honoring the work and support of four extraordinary New Yorkers: Brad S. Karp, Chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and JBFCS Board of Trustees Members David S. Kleger, Ira Schuman, and Jamie B.W. Stecher. Led by the evening's MC, WNBC's Melissa Russo, guests in attendance included Event Co-Chair Jean Shafiroff, fashion designer Victor de Souza, socialite Ann Rapp, entertainment attorney Paul Schindler, with wife Jane, 88th District Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, 91st District Assemblyman George Latimer, JBFCS Executive Vice President & CEO Paul Levine, JBFCS Board of Trustees President Anthony E. Mann, and JBFCS Board of Trustees Vice President David Moore.

Melissa Russo. (Amber De Vos/Patrick McMullan Photography)

As the dinner began, Russo introduced a short docu-video to illustrate a first-hand look into the efforts of JBFCS - "through the stories of a couple of our clients - their challenges, their victories and the people on our staff that help them succeed." Following the touching video, Russo led guests in enthusiastic applause for the clients and JBFCS team members whom the video documented and who were all in attendance.

In his address, JBFCS Board of Trustees President Anthony E. Mann articulated his awe at the incredible work of the agency's team and the impact their work holds, saying "it never ceases to amaze me how the work of our dedicated staff is able to transform lives, one person at a time, and that individuated work has a ripple effect throughout that person's family, their community and the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester." JBFCS' Executive Vice President & CEO Paul Levine expressed his gratitude for the support of those in attendance - "you are responsible for helping us to raise over $1 million - thank you - that has impact, and it's huge." As Levin explained, $1 million makes it possible to fund the salaries of almost 20 social workers for a year; in that year, each social worker works with about 100 clients; so, accordingly, 2,000 clients and their families are supported within that year from those funds. To the honorees, Levine praised their level of dedication and commitment, saying, "We would not be who we are without each of you."

As the evening came to a close, the honorees were presented with awards with individual heartfelt remarks by JBFCS Trustee Daniel J. Leffell, JBFCS Chairs of the Board John A. Hermann and Jean L. Troubh, and JBFCS Board of Trustees Vice President Fran Levy. Accepting their awards, Karp praised the work of JBFCS, "improving the lives of tens of thousands of New Yorkers" and looked toward the future and his continued relationship with JBFCS, "I hope it's just the beginning." Next, Kleger thanked the Board for "making this an extraordinary organization." Schuman thanked his family, friends, and colleagues for their continued support of his work with JBFCS and the efforts of the organization, while Stecher told the crowd of a recent visit to Kaplan House - JBFCS' urban residential facility for older adolescent males that provides an extensive independent living skills program and therapeutic and support services - and his awe at the accomplishments of both the clients and JBFCS team, while expressing his gratitude to the crowd for "helping us help them."

The special event, which was held at New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel and featured a cocktail reception and seated dinner, rose over $1.25 million in funds to benefit JBFCS' 175 community-based programs, residential facilities, and day-treatment centers that annually serve over 55,000 New Yorkers-in-need across all faiths, races, and cultures.