Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO — Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s (JFS) 2026 Heart & Soul Gala brought together supporters, friends, community partners and advocates to celebrate JFS’s impact as a vital resource. For more than 100 years in San Diego, the organization works to ensure people have a safe, stable place to live, enough nutritious food to eat and are surrounded by a strong community of support. At the gala, JFS raised more than $2 million toward its overall goal to support individuals and families of all ages, faiths and backgrounds at the major 2026 Heart & Soul Gala.
“Every day we ask ourselves ‘Is someone’s life meaningfully better because they came to us?’ Every year, tens of thousands of San Diegans rely on JFS for services, support, and resources, and we help families and individuals find dignity, stability and hope. The philanthropic support at this year’s Heart & Soul Gala empowers JFS to strengthen our community,” said Dana Toppel, JFS CEO. “We are deeply grateful for a San Diego community that shows up with dedication and purpose. Together we will continue shaping a hopeful future for San Diegans in moments of crisis and beyond.”
Gala Chairs Marie Raftery and Dr. Robert Rubenstein, with Honorary Chairs Evelyn and Ernest Rady led the event that was inspired by JFS’s round-the-clock work and “Rooted in Community” theme. Programming throughout the evening included remarks from honorees, stories of resilience from those served by JFS, dinner and dessert, live music and dancing. The event’s live fundraising portion was bolstered by a generous $500,000 match by Evelyn and Ernest Rady.
Held April 18 at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, the event welcomed 500 guests, including community leaders and JFS partners, to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the 2026 honorees:
- Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs exemplify what it means to be rooted in community – planting seeds of possibility and nurturing them into lasting impact. Their visionary leadership creates innovative educational spaces and strengthens Jewish life. Both nourish our community through their dedication to the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Jacobs Family Campus and High Tech High. Jerri-Ann leads with purpose through her work with the San Diego Symphony and alongside Tammy in the JFS Pauline Foster Seeds of Change Garden, and Gary’s enduring leadership at Jewish Federation has been transformative. Together, they inspire with heart, humility and unwavering care.
- Tammy and Louis Vener have built lives grounded in meaning and purpose. Louie, a longtime JFS leader and former staff member, has been a volunteer with JFS and its Foodmobile for more than 20 years, delivering food to seniors and homebound adults. Tammy, a longtime Jewish educator at Congregation Beth Israel and leader in her field, has nurtured relationships that span generations. Each week, she volunteers with Jerri-Ann in the JFS Pauline Foster Seeds of Change Garden. Together, Tammy and Louie show that when we root ourselves in service, the community flourishes.
This year’s gala was supported by visionary underwriters including that at the Redwood level, a long-time anonymous donor, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), Joan z”l and Irwin Jacobs, and Marie Raftery & Dr. Robert Rubenstein. Torrey Pine-level underwriters include another generous anonymous donor, Amy Corton & Carl Eibl, Susanna & Michael Flaster, Lisa Foster & Alan Bersin, and Sean Joseph & Mahau Ma. For a complete list of Heart and Soul Gala underwriters, photos and videos from the night, and more, visit www.jfssd.org/gala.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is committed to helping community members move forward by meeting people where they are. The organization’s work focuses on three essential areas: to ensure people have a safe, stable place to live, enough nutritious food to eat and are surrounded by a strong community of support.
JFS responds to the evolving needs of the region by empowering people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to build more stable, secure, and connected lives. Through innovative strategies that help break the cycle of poverty, JFS is creating a stronger, healthier community where everyone can thrive.
To get help, volunteer, or support JFS, visit jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
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