Julie Morris Memorial Benefit Brunch 2026
Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m. to noon
Fête (120 N Stevens St, Spokane, WA 99201)
Register or become an event sponsor!
the Julie Morris Outstanding Service Award.
This year’s Julie Morris Memorial Benefit Brunch is a celebration of the real difference that Spokane Area Jewish Family Services makes every day — for seniors, families, and individuals who need connection and support.
At SAJFS, that difference takes many forms. Our monthly JFS Luncheons give seniors a place to gather, connect, and belong. Our transportation assistance program ensures that seniors and clients with disabilities can reach the medical appointments that keep them well. When a household is stretched thin, our rent and utility assistance can make the difference between stability and crisis. And our peer-led caregivers support group offers something equally essential: a space where those who give so much can also receive, sharing the rewards and the challenges of caring for a loved one.
None of this happens without you.
We know you share our belief in the power of service — and in helping people help themselves. So please join us at Fête (120 N Stevens St, Spokane, WA 99201) on Sunday, June 7, at 10 a.m. for a Benefit Brunch you won’t want to miss. We’ll honor Dr. Meryl Gersh and Joan Berkowitz with the Julie Morris Outstanding Service Award. The event will also feature a musical performance by a quartet and vocalist from Hot Club of Spokane!
To learn more, reach us at (509) 413-8254 or director@sajfs.org. We hope you’ll register or become an event sponsor today; we can’t wait to see you there!
We are grateful to our generous event sponsors and donors!
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Roslyn Abt Schindler
A heartfelt Mazel Tov for the work of SAJFS that benefits the community in myriad ways every day…
In honor of Neal Schindler as Director of SAJFS and for his special role in the Spokane community at large, and…
In loving memory of Marvin Samuel Schindler (z”l), who would share my pride and joy in Neal’s achievements.
May SAJFS go from strength to strength in the years to come!
Silver Sponsors
Drs. Bob and Meryl Gersh
With humility and deep gratitude for this recognition, and for the life and legacy of our friend Julie Morris.
Faith Hayflich and Charlie Boettcher
Congratulations to Joan Berkowitz, a woman who richly deserves this award for her many years of service to the Jewish community.
Bronze Sponsors
Ira and Susan Amstadter
Miriam Berkman, PhD, and Greg Flibbert
in honor of Joan Berkowitz and Dr. Meryl Gersh, with gratitude for your commitment to our Jewish community
Drs. Wendy and Eric Ehieli
Diana Koorkanian-Sauders and Dr. Rob Sauders
Thank you, Joan and Meryl, for all you do for our community.
Drs. Liat Kriegel and Michael DeLand
Dr. Jessica and Nate Lundgren
in memory of Marshall and Ilene Schwarzbach
Jeremy Press Taylor and Alexandra Panagotacos
in memory of Deborah Press
Additional Donors
Albert Alberg
Karen Albert
Dr. Carl and Mrs. Lynne Baum
in memory of Julie Morris
Dorothy Bernheim
Ross Carper
Adira Cronk
Joan, working with you is always a delight. Congratulations on this much-deserved recognition for all you do in and for our community!
Kathy Golden
Meryl and Joan, congratulations on this richly deserved honor from SAJFS.
Mark Hand and Carl Shepherd
Dr. Ron and Faye Klein
Thank you to Meryl and Joan for all they do to help our community.
Dr. Harvey and Susan Meier
Drs. Mary Noble and Hershel Zellman
Mazal tov, Meryl and Joan. You are each so deserving of this honor. Thank you for the MANY ways you share your talents and time with our community!
Erica and Dr. Amanda Oropeza
Doris Patriquin-King
In memory of JoAnne Vigneault: You taught me how to cook and laugh, my dear and loyal French-Canadian friend!
Meghan Pinch and Chad Hueter
Thank you, Meryl and Joan, for everything you do to support our community!
Clint and Linda Rogel
in honor of Dr. Meryl Gersh
Dale Severance
Lovingly remembering Julie Morris, an inspiration and a mensch.
Drs. Steve and Pam Silverstein
Congrats to Meryl and Joan!
Drs. Nan Smith and Art Zack
Joan & Meryl: Thanks for all you continue to do to help our Jewish and Greater Spokane community. Mazel Tov on this well deserved honor.
Roberto and Christie Weinstein
Larry and Ellee Weiser
Rachel Zack and Scott Eubanks