Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Joins Jewish Federation of Greater Portland for “La Dolce Vita”

Marc Blattner, Federation President and CEO with Jerry Greenfield

Portland, October 28th. Together We Make Life Sweeter! That was the message from co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Jerry Greenfield; he’s on the right of Marc Blattner, Jewish Federation President and CEO. (Photo credit, LeeAnn Gauthier) Nearly 500 friends gathered to hear Greenfield at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s Annual Kickoff fundraiser. Supporters celebrated the community’s compassion and strength, indulged in innovative ideas and desserts. The 2013 Annual Campaign launched with a 16% increase over last year, making the current campaign total $778,442.

Mark and Lauren Goldstein, 2013 Campaign Kick-Off Chair, Susan and Stuart Shleifer

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s 2013 Annual Campaign kick-off included messages of social responsibility, radical business philosophy, and loads of ice cream. Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., Greenfield has helped to build a store front venture into a $300 million ice cream empire by making social responsibility and creative management strengths instead of weaknesses.

Anne and Max share their story about Federation partner agency B’nai
B’rith Camp’s Kehilah program

Supporters of the campaign light up the room.

Supporters of the campaign filled the Gerding Theater at the Armory.

From Jewish Federation of Greater Portland:

For almost a century, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has been raising funds to meet the ongoing needs of the community with an innovative approach and an unparalleled record of success. By working with a broad cross section of community members to raise and distribute funds, we ensure that the programs, institutions and values that enrich our Jewish community remain vibrant and strong. Our constituency includes the more than 45,000 Jews living in the Greater Portland and SW Washington areas. Federation funds and supports a community-wide network of organizations that focus on two critical things: caring for people in need here at home, in Israel and around the world and nurturing and sustaining the Jewish community today and for future generations.

More information at:

The website: jewishportland.org

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.