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Annual Benefit 2025

Women Who Inspire Through Leadership and Building Community

Join us in honoring extraordinary women making outstanding contributions to the connection and continuity of the JCC community.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
The Samuel Priest Rose Building
334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street

Attire: Festive

Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres: 6:30-8 pm
Presentation and Entertainment: 8 pm

Annual Benefit 2024

More About the Event

Honorees

Mandy Gonzalez, Broadway & Screen Actor, Author and Philanthropic Advocate

Caroline Kohles, MMJCCM Senior Director of The Davidson Fishberg Center for Health + Wellness

Marina Lewin, MMJCCM Secretary of the Board of Directors

Host Committee

  • Eve Coulson
  • Judy Gold
  • Andy Lewin
  • Christine Schwarzman
  • William Ver Eecke
  • Jewish Communal Fund

Impact Award

Headshot of Mandy Gonzalez

Mandy Gonzalez, Broadway & Screen Actor, Author and Philanthropic Advocate

Mandy is a powerhouse performer across film, TV, Broadway, and books. Known for one of the most thrilling voices of our time, she most recently starred as Norma Desmond in Broadway’s Sunset Blvd.

Mandy shot to fame originating Nina Rosario in the Tony-winning In The Heights (Drama Desk Award), wowed audiences as Elphaba in Wicked, and owned the stage as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton for six years.

Her screen credits include The Good Wife, Madam Secretary, Quantico, Only Murders in the Building, and Across the Universe. A frequent soloist with top symphonies—Carnegie Hall, The Boston Pops, Philly Pops, and more—Mandy brings serious star power to every stage.

Her debut album FEARLESS hit the iTunes Pop Top 20, sparking the inclusive, uplifting movement #FearlessSquad. She also authored the FEARLESS book series—a supernatural YA adventure for theater-loving tweens.

Mandy is a passionate advocate for underserved communities and serves on the boards of BCRF and Broadway Cares, using her voice to champion change.

Visionary Award

Caroline Kohles, MMJCCM Senior Director of The Davidson Fishberg Center for Health + Wellness

As Senior Director of the Davidson Fishberg Center for Health + Wellness, Caroline has dedicated her career to fostering holistic well-being through innovative programs that blend medicine, positive psychology, fitness, and wellness. Her vision has led to life-changing initiatives, including the renowned Cancer Care program and the internationally recognized Parkinson’s Wellness Program.

Caroline’s journey began as a professional dancer, igniting a lifelong passion for understanding the connection between body and mind. She is a master trainer in the Nia Technique and certified in yoga, indoor cycling, personal training, life coaching, and the 5 Rhythms free-dance technique. At the JCC, she has developed 100 group fitness classes spanning all ages and abilities.

Her creativity shines through unique events like “Broadway’s Best for Cancer” and “Broadway’s Best for PD,” which bring together Broadway talent, medical experts, and patients to inspire hope and connection. During the pandemic, she spearheaded the Positive Psychology Hour, which reached over 40,000 people and earned her the Community Connector Award from the Wholebeing Institute in 2022.

Leadership Award

Marina Lewin, MMJCCM Secretary of the Board of Directors and Co-Chair, Governance Committee and Strategic Planning Working Group, COO and Senior Vice President, Jewish Communal Fund

As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Jewish Communal Fund since 2022, Marina brings strategic vision and operational excellence to her role. Previously, she served as Chief Operating Officer at the Foundation for Jewish Camp, guiding the organization through significant growth and transformation, even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.

Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Marina had a distinguished career in banking, notably as the Global Head of New Business Development for BNY Mellon, where she earned accolades for her leadership and business acumen, including being named one of The Hedge Fund Journal’s 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds in 2013.

A passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Jewish philanthropy, and community growth, in addition to the JCC, Marina had a leadership role with Adamah and served as a mentor for the women’s leadership program at UJA Federation of New York and attended their Institute for Jewish Executive Leadership program.

For more information please email agordon@mmjccm.org.

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