Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), an organization known for strengthening the community by providing behavioral health, healthcare, and social services to all ages, faiths, and backgrounds, hosted its annual Brighter Tomorrow event as a virtual affair on Jan. 29. This year’s event was offered at no cost and highlighted the organization’s many programs and services, with a particular focus on its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The signature event, chaired by Lynn and Larry Kahn, raised $330,000 and will be used to impact and support the lives of more than 40,000 individuals throughout Maricopa County.

More than 400 devices registered for the virtual event featuring keynote speaker Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns and executive chairman of Western Alliance Bancorporation. Sarver, a dedicated philanthropist committed to supporting Arizona’s local community, spoke about his family’s personal connection to JFCS services following the death of his brother at a young age. In addition, Sarver spoke about the importance of access to programs, including primary medical care, counseling, behavioral health, domestic violence victim assistance, and Jewish community services through JFCS.

President and CEO Dr. Lorrie Henderson shared the organization’s annual update and expressed gratitude to those in attendance and the many donors to JFCS who play a vital support role in supporting the organization.

“Due to the pandemic, we are still experiencing an urgent demand for services,” says Dr. Henderson. “And even though the Brighter Tomorrow event has passed, the community can still help out by making an online financial gift via the JFCS website at https://www.jfcsaz.org/donate/ or by taking advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.”