A giver of her time

Suzie Harrison

The Jewish Federation of Orange County will be honoring Donna

Weinstein of Corona del Mar with the Anne Entin Woman of the Year

Award on March 18 at a luncheon sponsored by the women’s division of

the federation.

“I’ve been involved approximately 17 years,” Weinstein said. “I’m

honored. The women’s federation is very important to me. I feel very,

very special to be recognized and to receive this award.”

Weinstein is being honored for her years of volunteer work and

involvement in community activities.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Ellie Weinstein, president of the

women’s division. “She is most deserving. Donna was my mentor.”

Ellie said that Donna has been a mentor to many women in the

community.

“She has been involved in many generous activities for the Jewish

community, family services and many local organizations,” Weinstein

said. “She was such an easy choice.”

Weinstein served on the board of directors of Congregation Shir

Ha-ma’alot for eight years as membership chair, High Holy Day chair

and second vice president. She received the synagogue’s Visionary

Award in 1996 with her husband. She is also involved with the

Heritage Pointe Newport/Irvine Chapter and Jewish Family Service.

“Donna is a woman who has shown outstanding leadership over time

with continued service and longtime leadership in the women’s

division,” Weinstein said.

The award will be given at the Women’s Voices luncheon, an annual

forum for issues of interest to Jewish women that attracts more than

500 women in Orange County.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for my time and energy,” Weinstein

said. “I feel others have done more than I have.”

The Jewish Federation of Orange County is a fund-raising

organization that builds awareness, involvement and a sense of

belonging, Weinstein said.

Weinstein said she enjoys being a part of the women’s division.

“I enjoy working with women,” Weinstein said. “Our primary goal is

to increase campaign donations from the women. Women often lead in

the charitable way.”

Her division is inspired by the Jewish tradition and is dedicated

to strengthening Jewish people here and around the world.

Since its inception, the women’s division of the Jewish Federation

of Orange County has raised millions of dollars for those causes,

said Alison Mayersohn of the Jewish Federation. Last year, their

division raised about 40% of the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign,

with $156,000 for scholarships to Orange County Jewish day schools,

$645,000 for local Jewish agencies and $313,000 to support charities

in Israel and Jewish people in need in 59 countries.

The “Women’s Voices” luncheon will take place at 10:30 a.m. March 18 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. This year’s featured guest speaker is

two-time California teacher of the year Erin Gruwell. For more

information about the Jewish Federation of Orange County, the women’s

division or the luncheon, call (714) 755-5555.