Recognizing the Good 2025
As President & CEO, Jay Solomon, said so eloquently in his remarks, once you become connected with Aviva, you quickly realize you have joined a truly one-of-a-kind family.
Our family came together on Sunday, November 16th, for our second annual Recognizing the Good event hosted by the Aviva Foundation. This special event brings together residents, staff, volunteers, and our incredible donors for an afternoon of celebration and community.
Sunday's event kicked off with a lovely cocktail reception in the Kobernick Rotunda, created and provided by the Aviva culinary team. Residents and donors mingled and mixed as they shared stories about why Aviva was so important to them and how they found their way to our little oasis in Sarasota.
Filled with good food, great drinks, and high spirits, the group then moved to the Kretzmer Center for a brief program. Chairman of the Board Eric Fox welcomed the group and shared insights into how many people work to make Aviva the incredible place it is. Among those individuals are members of the Board of Trustees, all of whom are donors and joined us to celebrate all the good that is Aviva. Eric was soon followed by Jay Solomon, who shared a powerful anecdote with the group about the Broadway show "Come From Away."
"Come From Away" tells the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, a small town that sheltered nearly 7,000 passengers redirected there after 9/11. The show highlights the themes of hospitality, grief, and human connection during a dark time, showcasing how extraordinary things can happen when people unite, regardless of their backgrounds.
Jay's remarks highlighted the many similarities between Aviva and the town of Gander. Both are communities that may be considered small, but whose people are deeply connected, and both share a deep belief in the power of genuine compassion.
Following Jay's remarks, Suzanne Hudson-Smith, Chief Development Officer, highlighted the core of Recognizing the Good, a rare opportunity not only to acknowledge but truly thank Aviva's generous donors. Suzanne shared the ongoing success of the Marie Brown Visionary Society. Named for Aviva’s founder, the society acknowledges those who have left a gift to our community through their estate. Suzanne explained how the gifts provided by our donors, including the Marie Brown Visionary Society, create a lasting impact on the lives of Sarasota's seniors.
In a total surprise to all, Suzanne's speech was followed by a monumental announcement from Jay. Jay announced that just minutes before the group moved into the Kretzmer Center, he received a $1 million commitment from Larry Greenspon.
Those active in Sarasota are familiar with Larry Greenspon through his remarkable philanthropic work. Larry's generosity has had a profoundly life-changing impact on numerous non-profits in Sarasota, particularly those within the Jewish community. Larry has long been a generous supporter of Aviva and a proud advocate for the mission we live every day.
After the announcement, Larry reflected on his passion for Sarasota's Jewish community, sparked by a trip to Israel in 2012 where he discovered the Israeli Tennis Center, which promotes tennis and positive connections among youth. His generosity is well-known across various organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Sarasota, where he contributed to a new sports complex that supports children and young adults.
Recognizing the Good serves as a powerful reminder that the act of giving can create ripples in the lives of many, even those we may never meet. As we embrace the season of gratitude and giving, events like this highlight the vital role of generosity in our communities. For Aviva, it reflects the principle of tzedakah—an essential belief in Judaism emphasizing the importance of supporting those in need. Participating in tzedakah is a celebrated mitzvah, and through Recognizing the Good, Aviva is excited to honor our generous donors.
If you're interested in learning more about how you can support Aviva's mission and the many ways your donation can impact the lives of our residents, click the link below.
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