Each year, the JCC hosts a memorable Big Night. As we gather for our 20th annual celebration, tomorrow, Saturday March 7 at 7:30 pm we’re confident you’re in for an exciting evening at the races.
Just as the Kentucky Derby is the culmination of years of careful breeding, disciplined training, expert coaching, and extraordinary commitment, Big Night represents far more than one night’s festivities. A racehorse does not arrive at the starting gate by chance. It is conditioned with intention, strengthened through challenge, and supported by an entire team committed to its success. In much the same way, the JCC’s impact is built day by day, through vision, partnership, and the collective strength and generosity of this community.
Like a great thoroughbred, our community draws on power and endurance. We train by listening closely to emerging needs. We strengthen our stride by learning, adapting, and investing in our people. We are guided by skilled leadership and sustained by the steady hands of those who believe in our mission. And when the gates open, we run with courage, not for a fleeting victory, but for lasting impact.
For us, Big Night is not only a moment to honor how far we’ve come, it’s a chance to look ahead. Together, we challenge ourselves to anticipate what’s next, think boldly, and serve more deeply. Ours is a race not against others, but against who we were yesterday. We strive to run with compassion, discipline and shared purpose, knowing that true strength is built over time and proven in action.
Big Night also reflects who we are as a JCC: open and innovative, ready to listen and learn, and willing to lead with courage. We prepare thoughtfully. We move with intention. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to the community that counts on us.
We are especially proud to honor University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel, whose partnership in hosting last summer’s JCC Maccabi Campus Games exemplified visionary, cross-sector collaboration. At a pivotal moment for both higher education and our community, Chancellor Gabel joined with the JCC to launch a groundbreaking university-based model for the Games creating an extraordinary experience for nearly 2,000 Jewish teen athletes and strengthening Pittsburgh’s role on the global Jewish stage.
We are deeply grateful to our outstanding Big Night Chairs, Eva Tansky Blum, Nancy and Steven Cohen, and Joshua Shapira, for their leadership, creativity, and commitment.
To our guests, donors, sponsors – thank you! Your generosity fuels scholarships and vital programs that ensure the JCC remains accessible and impactful for individuals and families of all backgrounds. You are our village, our community, and because of you, we are all in the winner’s circle.
And finally, we want to offer our heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary JCC staff. Like the trainers, grooms, and teams behind every great racehorse, you are the steady force behind every program, every welcome at the door, every moment of care and connection. Your dedication, professionalism, and heart are what make our mission real each and every day.
Shabbat shalom and see you tomorrow night at the Derby,
Merris Groff, Chair of the Board & Jason Kunzman, President & CEO
