11th Annual Shine Like a Star Luncheon Held

L-R: Alexis Frisch, Nicole Ruderman
and Soniya Patel-Festa (JeffreyTholl)

(Press Release) Boca Raton, Fla. (May 19 , 2026) - More than 300 guests gathered for the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s (Levis JCC) Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department’s 11th Annual Shine Like A Star Luncheon, held April 24 at Boca West Country Club.

The inspiring afternoon brought together community members, families, advocates and supporters for a meaningful event benefiting the Levis JCC’s programs and services for individuals with special needs and their families. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, luncheon and a featured presentation by autism advocate Kaelynn Partlow, star of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum.

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A highlight of the program included remarks from Mark Gotlieb, Levis JCC Board Chair and parent of a program participant, who shared a personal perspective on the impact of the department’s work and the importance of continued community support.

The event was chaired by Lori Fineman and Alexis Frisch.

“The Shine Like A Star Luncheon is such a beautiful reflection of the community that surrounds and supports our families,” said Ali Landman, VP of Special Needs Services at the Levis JCC. “As the needs of our families continue to grow, so do the programs and services we are able to offer. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated and helped make this year’s luncheon such a meaningful success.”
Proceeds from the luncheon support the Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department. It’s more than 25 programs provides resources and inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families throughout the community.

Sponsors included Judy Levis Krug, Marisa and Matthew Baker, Ellen and Ed Cohen, Melinda and David Friedman, Lesser Landy Smith and Siegel PLLC, MarshMcLennan Agency, Blues Brothers Roofing, Joyce Saltman, Roberta and Ron Simons, Shirley and Allan Solomon, Temple Beth EL, Twin Oil Company, CBIZ, Edelstein Family Foundation, Dana Egert, Bloomingdale's, Code Age, Hotwire-Fusion, J.Ortman, Raw Juce, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Regency Collection-At Home, Technology Resource Services, Publix Charities, Servpro, Morgan Stanley, Marilyn Weissglass, The Boca Raton Observer, Robin and Elliot Broidy, Lori Fineman, Renee Getlan, Lauren and Mark Gotlieb, MR Wealth Management, SBA, Helene and Roy Schwedelson, Esther Rosenberg and Michael Ostroff.
 
For more information about the Special Needs Department, please contact Ilana Ducorsky at [email protected]