February 2, 2020 — The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston celebrated the 25th anniversary of Collage with a sold-out crowd of approximately 840 at the Royal Sonesta on Tuesday, February 11.
Mother and daughters-in-law team Martha Weisberg Barvin, Kaori Barvin, and Olivia Barvin chaired the event, which is the largest gathering of Jewish women in Houston and serves as the leading fundraiser for the Federation. This year, Collage attendees have raised more than $1.2 million for the community.
“There’s a certain power when women come together, find our voices, connect with issues and causes that we care about, and forge a collective response,” said new Federation CEO Kari Dunn Saratovsky in her first Collage address. “For generations, Jewish women here in Houston, many of them with us today, have utilized the Federation to make a difference and ensure their philanthropic voice was heard.”
Saratovsky also shared her plans for making the Federation more responsive, available, and accountable to the community.
The Federation encouraged newcomers to attend this year by eliminating the suggested minimum gift, which brought in nearly 200 women who had never been to Collage before.
“Individually, you are each a strong Jewish woman who makes our community a better place, but together, we are so much more,” Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Chair Elyse Spector Kalmans said at the luncheon. “I am willing to bet that for everyone in this room, whatever your level of involvement, whether you know it or not, the Federation reaches you through the various programs and the organizations it supports across our community.”
The Barvins shared their diverse Jewish stories and why they each believe in supporting the community.
“Like our family, each of you in this room comes to Collage, to the Federation, and to this community in your own way. Together, we can create the Jewish world and community we want to live in,” said Martha Weisberg Barvin.
Featured speaker, Ophira Eisenberg, comedian and host of NPR’s nationally syndicated comedy trivia show Ask Me Another, captured the room with her warmth, honesty, and humor.
Collage raises funds for the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, which supports Jewish people in Houston, Israel, and around the world. For more information about Women’s Philanthropy or to make a gift to the Annual Campaign, please contact Federation Chief Development Officer Laurie Bieber at 713-729-7000 or lbieber@houstonjewish.org.