Longtime community leaders Annette and Michael Saxon will be honored Thursday evening, Mar. 5, at the eighth annual J Live event at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts in Owings Mills.
J Live, which is open to the public, brings together hundreds of supporters of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore and other community leaders to raise funds for financial assistance for individuals and families to participate in JCC programming.
The JCC provides more than $400,000 in financial assistance to about 720 families annually.
J Live will include a grand patron pre-show dinner, a dessert reception, and presentation of the JCC Bezalel Leadership Award to the Saxons.
This year’s entertainment at J Live will be The Players and Friends, consisting of legendary musicians from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bands Chicago, Doobie Brothers, and Peter Frampton.
“We are thrilled to honor Annette and Michael Saxon at this year’s J Live for their decades of extraordinary commitment to the JCC, The Associated network, and to Jewish and secular causes locally, nationally, and globally,” said JCC Chief Executive Officer Paul Lurie. “Both Annette and Michael embody the spirit of leadership and giving generously of their time, vision, and expertise to strengthen our community.”
Michael Saxon served as JCC board chair from 1999-2001 and has chaired key committees and initiatives for The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. He also served as co-chair of the Baltimore City Partnerships Commission and board chair of the Taub Center for Social Policy in Israel. He currently serves as co-chair of the PJ Library Endowment.
Annette Saxon serves on the board of The Associated, Associated Women, the JCC Association of North America, JCC Global, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Macks Jewish Connection Network.
She served as JCC board chair from 2015-2017 and as chair of the Center for Jewish Education. She also served as The Associated Women’s campaign chair, chair of the Women’s Board, and in leadership roles at Beth Am Synagogue, the Baltimore Tourism Association and Port Discovery Children’s Museum.
“We are both deeply honored to receive the JCC’s Bezalel Leadership Award,” said Michael Saxon. “The JCC has always been central to our lives — Annette and I first met at the Palo Alto JCC in 1986 and we continue to believe in its power to bring people together and strengthen Jewish life.”
Said Annette Saxon: “As grandparents, we see the JCC as a welcoming and accessible entry point for young families seeking connection, friendship, and a place where their children can grow and explore.”
For information, visit gordoncenter.com/event/j-live.
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