June 2024
Wendy Schneider

The Jewish National Fund held its annual Negev Dinner on May 9, a sold-out event honouring Donna and Gary Waxman for their volunteerism in the Jewish and greater Hamilton community. The dinner was co-chaired by friends of the couple, past Negev Dinner honouree Jeff Paikin and Dr. Allison Sekuler, who praised the much beloved couple for their understated generosity and deep commitment to many community causes.

Donna Waxman is a gifted photographer who is usually seen behind the camera at community events capturing the joy of the moment and the essence of her subjects in her beauitful photographs. Her husband Gary was praised at the dinner for his steadfast moral and philanthropic support for causes that are dear to his heart. 

Funds raised by the dinner will go towards the construction of a family therapy centre in Ofakim, Israel, a small city 30 km from the Gaza border that lost 48 people during the Oct. 7 attacks. The new centre will provide essential counselling services to those grappling with loss, trauma and uncertainty.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Moe Koffman Tribute Band, whose members are family members of Donna Waxman.  The highlight of the event was an interview conducted by Victoria Mancinelli, of LIUNA, a stalwart ally of the Jewish community whose father and grandfather were past honourees with best-selling author, and Israel activist and advocate Noa Tishby. 

 

Photo: John Ceko Photography

Caption: JNF Negev Dinner keynote speaker Noa Tishby (centre) is flanked by Victoria Mancinelli and her husband Anthony Primerano and Negev Dinner honourees Donna and Gary Waxman.