David Sorkin and Stephen Blumert to receive the Allan Weissglass Distinguished Leadership Award

On Sunday, May 15th, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island will present its highest honor, the Allan Weissglass Distinguished Leadership Award, to David Sorkin and Stephen J. Blumert. The event will begin at 6pm at the Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road).

The gala, which is named for the late Allan Weissglass, honors individuals who have supported the mission of the JCC and served as leaders in the Staten Island community. This year’s honorees, David Sorkin and Stephen J. Blumert, have a long history of leadership within the JCC. Sorkin is the JCC’s CEO Emeritus and Blumert is a longtime JCC board member and prominent attorney.

“We are so proud to be able to recognize David and Stephen with this prestigious award. Both of them have been instrumental to the success of the JCC over the past few decades. David and Steve far exceed the criteria for receiving this award for their dedication, leadership, and generosity to the JCC and the community-at-large. They truly exemplify Allan Weissglass’ legacy of service and are most deserving of this award,” said Orit Lender, JCC CEO.

The proceeds from the gala will support the JCC’s Memory Loss Programs—Rosemary’s Place and My Place. These programs are vital to assist those with memory loss and their families as they provide in person services for individuals in need. Both program options allow for individuals to participate in programming that best meets their needs outside of their homes and allow caregivers to receive respite in order to attend work or other activities.

“My grandfather held both David and Steve in such high regard,” noted Allison Cohen, the JCC’s Director of Marketing & Communications and Weissglass’ granddaughter. “Our family could not think of two more appropriate people to honor in his memory. We hope the community will come together to recognize these two distinguished honorees and this important cause by supporting the event.”

Watch videos below about each of our honorees: