Foundation Year in Review
Added Events Look to Deepen Connections & Community Support
Spring saw a slew of teens showcase their talents in the form of “Standing Ovation,” a new annual competition by the Teen Ovation Board. This event featured a variety of performances — music to dance to acrobatics and more — that spread joy among Ovation’s residents who served as judges. This dynamic event brought together all ages to showcase and enjoy the next generation of local talent while building relationships between generations.
The Nothin’ But Net Basketball Tournament, a new event held at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, raised awareness and money to support the health and wellness activities that are an integral part of daily life for Ovation’s residents and program participants.
This event brought together groups of participants to have fun and be active and also included sports giveaways, contests, raffles, food and more. At the end of the day, the winning team also enjoyed the special grand prize of a private chef’s dinner.
These two exciting new events, along with the Annual In-Ovation Fundraiser in November and July 3rd Fireworks Fest, have helped ensure that the Foundation has a full calendar of meaningful fundraising events that support Ovation’s mission, programs and services.
Foundation Team Brings Experience & Energy
This year, the Ovation Communities Board of Directors announced the appointment of Tanya Mazor to the position of President of the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation. In this new role, Mazor is responsible for overseeing Ovation’s philanthropic efforts, volunteerism and marketing, as well as positioning the Foundation for a strong future. She previously served as Vice President of Development and was honored last November with the Scott M. Cutlip Professional Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of SE Wisconsin.
A staff of three reports to Mazor, including David Bitan, who was recently named Director of Outreach and Engagement. He comes to Ovation from Israel, where he most recently served as the Division Head and History teacher at a high school. Bitan is responsible for broadening community outreach; new fundraising initiatives; volunteer engagement; and leading Teen Ovation and Next-Gen Ovation. The robust Foundation team includes Linda Acosta, Executive Assistant, and Courtney Aune, Marketing and Community Engagement Associate.
Next-Gen Ovation Fosters Community Service Leaders of Tomorrow
The Next-Gen Ovation Leadership Program, an educational series designed to help young professionals develop skills to serve on nonprofit boards and committees in the community, launched its second cohort this year. The sessions explored the role board and committee members play; how to guide an organization through sound ethical and financial governance practices; advancing organizational mission; and meeting important cultural and civic values including diversity. FUEL Milwaukee, a community engagement program of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) for young professionals, is the co-host of this important program.
