Supporters Gather Again for Annual In-Ovation Fundraiser

This year, the annual In-Ovation fundraiser returned in person on December 20. Many of Ovation Communities’ biggest supporters gathered to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and enjoy lunch at the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.

In-Ovation is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation, raising money to support the Geriatric Career Development (GCD) Program, the new Kavod Terrace, and Adult Day Services. During the event outstanding individuals and businesses who have positively impacted Ovation were also honored.

“Ovation Communities wouldn’t be where it is today without the hard work and unwavering support of an extensive team,” said Tanya Mazor, Jewish Home and Care Center President. “We are grateful for the time and commitment from our residents, families, staff, volunteers, boards, donors, vendor partners and the surrounding business community.

“While honoring two very deserving people and one very deserving partner, we set out to raise money for three important programs,” Mazor continued. “With your support and dedication, we were able to raise more than $130,000 and continue to enhance the care and services that we provide to our residents and the community. Thank you for helping us add life to lives.”

Ovation Youth Leadership Award: Joey Arnstein

The first of its kind Ovation Youth Leadership Award was presented to Joey Arnstein. Joey is a ninth-grade student at Nicolet High School and Co-President of Teen Ovation, a teen led board created to help bridge the generation gap and inspire others to make the world a better place. Through his work with Ovation, Joey has demonstrated leadership, compassion and a deep understanding of Ovation’s mission and the importance of intergenerational programming. He is a true role model, inspiring other young people in the community to get involved.

“One of the main reasons I started volunteering with Ovation is because I truly love working with the senior generation. When I was in preschool, I had a senior pen pal at Ovation and really loved communicating with her. I even continued visiting her for years after the program ended,” Joey said. “The relationships I’ve developed volunteering with Ovation help make me the person I am today.”

Ovation Spirit Award: Bill Komisar

This year’s Ovation Spirit Award recipient was Bill Komisar, who recently retired from Ovation’s boards. Throughout his tenure with Ovation, he held various important leadership roles including Chairman of the Board of Sarah Chudnow Community, Jewish Home, and Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation while spearheading major projects and fundraising efforts. Komisar’s long-standing commitment to Ovation spans several decades and he is often recognized for his caring nature and respect for others.

“My passion has always been making sure our elders are well cared for,” Bill said. “Ovation Communities has changed my life for the better and made me a better, more caring person.”

Business Partner of the Year: Wintrust Bank

Wintrust Bank was honored as the Ovation Communities Business Partner of the Year. As the primary financial institution for the Foundation, Wintrust has been an indispensable partner, seamlessly accommodating all of Ovation’s needs and requests with a deep understanding of and commitment to the organization’s mission.

“We really value this partnership, and it has been a privilege to work with an organization that upholds such a high standard of care for Jewish seniors and their families in our community,” said Daniel Brenton, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Wintrust Bank. “We love helping organizations who help others, so working with Ovation has been a fun and rewarding relationship.”