JBBBSLA Raises over $685,000 To Support Growing Needs of Underserved LA Youth
The Big Event Fundraiser Raises An Unprecedented Amount to Support Needs of Youth Throughout LA
JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan, Honorees Jonathan David, Lauren Broser, Ed Zimbler, JBBBSLA Board President Sandy Sigal
(February 28, 2023)
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) raised over $685,000 – an unprecedented amount — at its annual gala, The Big Event, to support the needs of youth throughout Los Angeles. Hosted at Stephen Wise Temple on Thursday, February 23, the Big Event showcased the impact of JBBBSLA’s innovative programs and honored three outstanding volunteers — Lauren Broser, Jonathan David, and Ed Zimbler — each of whom have made a tremendous difference in the lives of youth.
Funds raised at the event allow JBBBSLA to help even more youth through their four programs: Youth Mentoring for LA’s Jewish youth; Camp Bob Waldorf, providing overnight camp and retreats for LA’s underserved youth; College Access + Success, providing professional college counseling and scholarships for former mentees and campers to academically thrive; and the groundbreaking Teen Talk App for teens around the world seeking social and emotional support for mental health challenges and other issues.
JBBBSLA’s CEO, Cari Uslan, believes The Big Event’s fundraising will help more youth than ever reach their full potential. Uslan shared, “We are looking ahead and building for the future. Our children are struggling. They need support from mentors. They need access to the outdoors at camp. They need to catch up academically so they can achieve college success. And they need mental health support to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters is ready.”
The Big Spotlight Honoree Jonathan David and his Little Brother Sky
At the Big Event, JBBBSLA presented The Big Spotlight Award to two current Bigs (mentors), Lauren Broser and Jonathan David. Broser is a Big Sister and a Vice President in the Real Estate group at Oaktree Capital Management. is the founder and CEO of Tapstone, a Big Brother, an active JBBBSLA Board Member, the chairperson for the Teen Talk App committee, and committee member for JBBBSLA’s annual Camp Bob Waldorf Golf Tournament. Ed Zimbler received The Inspiration Award, honoring his decade of service to JBBBSLA as a Big Brother and active member of the community.
“My Big Brother Jon has impacted my life in so many ways,” said Little Brother Sky about his Big Brother Jonathan David. “He helps me see the world in a new light and encourages me to try new things. He’s an amazing listener and always makes me feel heard. I can always count on him to listen, offer advice, and challenge me to think in new ways. He has helped me so much over the past five years. Thank you, Jon, and thank you to Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters for bringing us together.”
LA City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky and JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan
JBBBSLA thanks the host committee and The Big Event sponsors for making The Big Event possible, including Lola and Ed Zimbler, Natalie and Jonathan David, the Goldhirsh-Yellin Foundation, Oaktree Capital Management, and The Nelson Family-Rabinovitch Foundation.
Several Los Angeles-area elected officials attended or sent representatives to the event, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, LAUSD School Board Member Nick Melvoin, and State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel.
Founded in 1915, JBBBSLA assists youth in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs: Youth Mentoring, Camp Bob Waldorf, College Access + Success, and Teen Talk App. Each year JBBBSLA serves more than 1,200 youth from a variety of backgrounds, races, religions, and socio-economic status. For more information about the organization, to donate, or find out how you can get involved please visit: www.jbbbsla.org
###
Leave a Reply