A Sold-Out Celebration, A Community-Wide Cause: J’la Marks 10 Years of Giving Back

Honoring the Extraordinary Koritz-Lefton Family Legacy, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center Invites Everyone to Help Build a Stronger Community—Even Without a Ticket

By Grayling Holmes

SOME CELEBRATIONS ARE SO SPECIAL THAT EVERYONE WANTS TO BE THERE. BUT THE REAL MAGIC IS IN THE LIVES THEY TOUCH.

When more than 540 guests turn out for a charitable gala, as they did for last year's J’la, it's clear that an organization has captured the hearts of its supporters.

And when tickets for the following year's celebration sell out before the festivities even begin, that's an even more powerful endorsement.

Such is the case with J’la 2026, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center's signature fundraising gala, celebrating its 10th anniversary on Sunday, November 15, at The Factory in Chesterfield.

The evening promises sophistication, fellowship, entertainment, and heartfelt philanthropy. But there's one important announcement:

J’LA 2026 IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT!

For those fortunate enough to have secured reservations, congratulations! For everyone else, there's still an opportunity to participate in something far more important than a glamorous evening out.

YOU CAN HELP CHANGE LIVES.

Because while tickets may be sold out, the need for charitable support certainly isn't.

And the impact of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center extends well beyond the walls of its facilities—and beyond the Jewish community itself.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

This year's milestone celebration honors the Koritz-Lefton families, whose extraordinary commitment to the J spans more than six decades and three generations.

Some families leave a legacy. The Koritz-Lefton families live theirs.

Their contributions are woven into the very fabric of the organization, from leadership positions and fundraising campaigns to scholarships, youth programs, and improvements to the J's facilities.

Sue and Mark Koritz helped establish a tradition of service that continues through their children and grandchildren.

Sue co-chaired the J's 1977 Building Campaign, chaired the Camp Sabra Committee for six years, received the President's Award in 1986, and continues to serve as chair of the Jewish Film Festival Committee.

Mark's leadership included chairing Senior Adult Services, supporting Camp Sabra, and serving on the J's Board of Directors.

Together, the couple helped fund important improvements at Camp Sabra, including its first staff lounge and the Sabra Koritz Crossing Pavilion.

Their daughter Debbie Koritz Lefton has carried that spirit of service forward through numerous leadership roles, including serving as J Associate President, co-chairing the Fox Capital Campaign, and receiving the President's Award in 2018.

Debbie and her husband, Mike Lefton, have also made significant contributions to Camp Sabra and the J's facilities, including the Lefton Staff Lounge and the Lefton Community Commons at the Marilyn Fox Building.

Robert Koritz has dedicated years to Camp Sabra, serving as an alumni leader and establishing the Sabra Alumni Canteen Fund.

And the family's younger generations continue the tradition through participation in Camp Sabra and the JCC Maccabi Games.

It's a remarkable example of how philanthropy can become a family value passed from one generation to the next.

As Steven Rosenzweig, President and CEO of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, explains:

"The Koritz-Lefton families represent the very best of what it means to be part of the J community. For more than six decades, their family has shown up for the J and for our community with generosity, leadership, and heart. We are proud to honor their remarkable legacy and the generations who continue to carry it forward."

NOW THAT'S SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING!

More Than a Gala. More Than a Community Center.

For those unfamiliar with the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, here's something important to understand:

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE J!

Although deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and values, the organization serves individuals and families throughout the greater St. Louis community, regardless of religious affiliation.

Its programs reach people across generations, backgrounds, and circumstances.

Consider the J's Early Childhood Center, where young children receive education and nurturing care during their formative years.

Or its popular youth camps, which provide opportunities for children to build friendships, develop confidence, and create memories that can last a lifetime.

Then there's Meals on Wheels, which helps provide nutritious meals to older adults and others who need assistance.

Adult Day at the J offers meaningful programming and support for adults who benefit from supervised daytime services, while providing valuable assistance to their caregivers.

The J also enriches the region's cultural landscape through arts programming, educational opportunities, and celebrations of Jewish heritage.

And its two fitness facilities encourage healthy, active lifestyles for people throughout the community.

But perhaps one of the organization's most meaningful contributions is its commitment to making these opportunities accessible.

Funds raised through J’la provide financial assistance that enables hundreds of local families to participate in programs and services they might otherwise be unable to afford.

That's why the gala matters.

Not because of the cocktail attire, the beautiful venue, or the entertainment.

But because the money raised helps children learn, families thrive, older adults receive support, and people from throughout St. Louis find connection and community.

A Decade of Generosity

For its 10th anniversary, J’la is preparing an evening befitting this milestone.

Guests will gather at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails and conversation, followed by curated culinary stations at 6 p.m. and entertainment and the evening's program beginning at 7 p.m.

The suggested attire?

"Cocktail Vibes: Sleek & Chic."

And if previous J’la celebrations are any indication, guests will certainly rise to the occasion.

The evening is co-chaired by Robin and David Chervitz, Jada and Brett Fox, and Tracey and Jeff Singer, whose leadership has helped bring this anniversary celebration together.

Special recognition also goes to presenting sponsors Debbie and Mike Lefton, Daugherty Enterprises & Foundation, and the Kuhn Foundation, along with the gala committee and numerous generous supporters.

Their commitment reflects the extraordinary philanthropic spirit that makes St. Louis such a remarkable community.

But even with the event sold out, there's still room for more generosity.

No Ticket? No Problem. You Can Still Make a Difference!

Let's be clear: a sold-out gala is wonderful news for any nonprofit organization.

It demonstrates enthusiasm, loyalty, and tremendous community support.

But a capacity crowd doesn't mean the organization's financial needs have been completely met.

Far from it.

The J's educational, recreational, cultural, and social programs require ongoing resources, dedicated staff, and sustained charitable investment.

And those needs don't disappear when the last gala guest heads home.

THAT'S WHERE THE REST OF ST. LOUIS COMES IN!

Whether you're a longtime supporter of the J, someone who has enjoyed its fitness facilities or cultural programs, a parent whose children have attended camp, or simply a resident who believes in building a stronger community, your generosity can make a difference.

You don't need a $250 gala ticket to demonstrate your support.

You don't need to purchase a new outfit, attend a formal dinner, or bid on an auction item.

YOU SIMPLY NEED A WILLINGNESS TO GIVE.

A contribution of any amount can help support the programs and services that make the J such an important community resource.

And for businesses, families, and individuals interested in making a larger commitment, sponsorship opportunities remain available.

Those hoping to attend the gala can also request placement on the waitlist should additional tickets become available.

Contact Rani Howard at rhoward@jccstl.org for waitlist information.

But please don't wait for an invitation to make an impact.

The Greatest Legacy Is What We Give Back

There's something especially inspiring about honoring a family whose dedication to philanthropy has endured for more than 60 years.

The Koritz-Lefton families remind us that meaningful community involvement isn't measured by a single generous evening.

It's measured by years of showing up, volunteering, leading, mentoring, and giving.

Their story is also an invitation for others to consider the legacy they hope to leave.

What causes matter most to your family?

What organizations have helped shape your children's lives?

What opportunities can your generosity create for someone you'll never meet?

Those are questions worth asking, particularly as the holiday season approaches.

Because this is the time of year when St. Louisans are reminded that the most meaningful gifts aren't always wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with elegant ribbons.

Sometimes the greatest gift is a scholarship that allows a child to attend camp.

A nutritious meal delivered to an older neighbor.

A safe, welcoming environment for someone who needs companionship.

Or an opportunity for a family to participate fully in the life of its community.

THAT'S THE KIND OF GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING.

So, to the hundreds of guests attending J’la's 10th anniversary celebration, enjoy every moment of what promises to be an extraordinary evening.

And to the thousands of St. Louisans who won't be in the room, here's your opportunity to be part of the celebration anyway.

THE GALA MAY BE SOLD OUT, BUT GENEROSITY HAS NO CAPACITY LIMIT!

Visit jccstl.com/jla to make a contribution or explore sponsorship opportunities.

Congratulations to the Koritz-Lefton families, the J's leadership, and everyone whose commitment has helped make this remarkable anniversary possible.

TEN YEARS OF J’LA. SIX DECADES OF FAMILY LEADERSHIP. COUNTLESS LIVES ENRICHED.

And with the continued generosity of the entire St. Louis community, the best chapters are still to come.

J’la 2026 | 10th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, November 15, 2026
The Factory
17105 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, Missouri

Honoring: The Koritz-Lefton Families

Event status: SOLD OUT

Waitlist: Rani Howard
rhoward@jccstl.org
314-442-3109

Donations and sponsorships are still welcome!

Support the J: jccstl.com/jla

BE PART OF THE CELEBRATION. INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY. HELP CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEMORIES.