When Schindler's List was released in 1994, I saw an opportunity to turn the turbulent emotions that the movie evoked into acts of gratitude and generosity.
For the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO), I set the course for the organization to move its annual fundraiser from a fashion show luncheon to a gala dinner event. For this premiere gala dinner, I contacted Schindler's List author Thomas Keneally, and signed him as the guest speaker. Then I contacted Oskar Schindler's widow, Mrs. Emilie Schindler, who was 86 years old and living in Argentina. I invited her to Miami to be honored at the dinner and reunited with fifteen Schindler's List survivors. The media campaign that I executed for this event generated unprecedented national and worldwide television and print media coverage for the organization. With Hashem's open and visible help and blessings, the gala was the organization's most successful fundraising event in its U.S. history, and generated a 300% increase in revenue over any prior event. An entire team of volunteers ensured Mrs. Schindler was honored with joy and gratitude. |
"In seven short weeks you accomplished what would have taken any other committee a good twelve months to organize. It is astounding! The organization and camaraderie that existed between your committee members impressed us enormously...
"Your initative in picking up the phone to invite Mrs. Schindler in the first place was remarkable, and your persistence really paid off ... you succeeded in raising $100,000 for WIZO - the biggest fundraising success for one evening, in WIZO USA history...
"The media coverage was unprecedented! 27 minutes of air time, and 4 hits in The Miami Herald, let alone all of the local print media!...
"Your event really put WIZO on the map in the community, and we will continue to capitalize on the momentum...
"Your initative in picking up the phone to invite Mrs. Schindler in the first place was remarkable, and your persistence really paid off ... you succeeded in raising $100,000 for WIZO - the biggest fundraising success for one evening, in WIZO USA history...
"The media coverage was unprecedented! 27 minutes of air time, and 4 hits in The Miami Herald, let alone all of the local print media!...
"Your event really put WIZO on the map in the community, and we will continue to capitalize on the momentum...
Mercedes Ivcher, President - WIZO
in a post-event letter to (aka Lesley Kruger)
in a post-event letter to (aka Lesley Kruger)