More than 1,000 guests gathered at Jewish Care’s Annual Dinner for a moving celebration of the charity’s work, raising an incredible £5.6 million to support its life-changing services.
The evening placed Jewish Care’s clients and families, many from Redbridge and Essex, at its heart, with the charity’s clients, volunteers and supporters becoming the stars of the night.
You can read three of their powerful stories in the Rosh Hashanah edition of the Essex Jewish News.
The record-breaking amount raised will help Jewish Care meet the £20 million it needs each year, at a time of significantly growing demand and when many of its services receive no government funding.
Hosted at Grosvenor House by journalists and broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder MBE, who generously donated their time, the Dinner celebrated the impact of Jewish Care’s transformative services across the community. They highlighted the growing need for care, connection and support at every stage of life.
From Jami’s mental health services, now part of Jewish Care for people aged 11 and over, to specialist support for older people with increasingly complex needs, the evening showcased the breadth of the charity’s work. It also recognised how important this support is at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK and around the world.
Guests heard first-hand stories of the difference Jewish Care makes through its community services, dementia care, mental health support and end-of-life care.
One of those, Barbara Jaye – a regular volunteer in our region – spoke about the friendship and belonging many have found through Jewish Care’s community centres and programmes.
Taking a starring role on stage, being interviewed by former BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, was also a special moment.
Barbara told the Essex Jewish News: “I really didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as I arrived the people who work for Jewish Care took me under their wing and explained everything to me… they didn’t leave my side!
“I met with Emily Maitlis, Rob Rinder and the West End star Emma Kingston. Also, Lord Levy seemed to recall he’d seen me at other events!
“Everybody who came up to me before and after my ‘debut’ on stage praised me and that’s what makes me smile. I feel sure the new Sugar & Ronson Campus will make a difference to many people in and around Redbridge and I am very excited that the community events will be moving there too!”
Jewish Care Chair Marcus Sperber said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to our hosts, Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder, to Emma Kingston, to our table hosts, and to everyone whose time and support made the evening such a success.
“We are especially grateful to the clients and volunteers who shared their stories so movingly and are at the heart of all we do.
“We rely entirely on the generosity of our community to provide the highest quality care and support, rooted in dignity, respect and Jewish traditions and values, and we are immensely grateful to them.”
