Jewish Care

Home > News > Archive 2007 > July > Natasha Kaplinsky talks at campaign dinner

Date:  4 July 2007

Natasha Kaplinsky adds star quality to Jewish Care's campaign dinner

BBC news presenter Natasha Kaplinsky was lavish in her praise of Jewish Care when she spoke at the charity’s annual fundraising dinner, sponsored by Investec Private Bank. Addressing an audience of over 750 people at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday night (2nd July), she said the depth and breadth of the charity’s work “would be the envy of many other communities.

“The professional and caring way that you approach the Jewish community’s needs and the inclusive way you offer support is remarkable,” added the glamorous star, whose popularity soared on the television programme ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’

Miss Kaplinsky had visited Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre the previous week, where she met centre member Irka Reichmann, whom she interviewed on stage during the evening. The HSC visit had “real resonance” for Miss Kaplinsky, who recently discovered her own Jewish ancestry and was “distressed” to learn that family members had perished in Belarus.

She was introduced by Jewish Care’s president, Lord Levy, who emphasised the charity’s need for funds. This year’s budget for running the wide range of services was around £46 million – “We really are the NHS of Anglo-Jewry. Jewish Care is in the heart of our community – it touches the lives of so many and virtually every family within our community,” he declared.

Earlier, guests had been welcomed by Jewish Care’s chairman, Stephen Zimmerman, who spoke of “the need to recognise our responsibilities to others.” He added: “The challenge to help people see the difference Jewish Care makes and understand the need to provide Jewish care for people in this way, remains something we must do.”

Guests saw a five minute video snapshot of Jewish Care’s work then Daphne Zackon, whose husband Barney is a resident of the nursing home Lady Sarah Cohen House, appealed for funds. It was a poignant moment for Mrs Zackon, who was celebrating her 58th wedding anniversary the following day. She complimented the charity on their support, compassion and understanding towards her family, urging the audience to help them raise “more money than ever before.”

The charity was delighted that £2.9 million was pledged on the night toward Jewish Care’s vital work in the community.

At the end of the evening, chief executive Simon Morris announced that Sir Philip Green was continuing his support of Jewish Care, and will give the charity a £1m donation, each year, for the next five years.