By Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist
Co-chairs, Adina Loewensteiner and Andrew Bernstein, are excited to announce the honorees for Live Laugh Give 2023. “This year we are thrilled to recognize Eric and Susan Lerner for their many contributions to Jewish Family Services (JFS), the Jewish community, and the greater Charlotte community.”

Eric and Susan have both contributed to the community in different ways and come together with the same core value — the importance of giving back to the community through a series of actions over time. Susan has served in the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC) membership office since moving to Charlotte almost 20 years ago. She provides many new members and new Charlotte residents with a first-time experience of the LJCC. She is a valuable source of knowledge and information, referring new members to resources on the Park and in the community-at-large that best fit their needs. Eric’s family was instrumental in founding Shalom Park. He carries on his family legacy, having served as vice president of Temple Israel, as well as on the board of directors of Congregation Ohr HaTorah, ZABS Place, and Jewish Family Services. Eric and Susan shared, “There is a real sense of belonging and a strong sense of community here in Charlotte. We are flattered to be recognized as honorees at Live Laugh Give 2023, and hope to inspire others to support JFS and the event.”

 The event will welcome back feature comedian and actor Orny Adams. Adams delivers a powerful, incisive stand-up routine that vacillates between the relevant and the absurd. He attacks what’s wrong with the world and sometimes even what’s wrong with himself. He’s brutally honest, satirical, and his performance is ceaselessly energetic. Adams has had one-hour stand-up specials on Netflix, Comedy Central, and his third special, “More Than Loud,” debuts in December on Showtime. He has appeared on television, most notably on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” and “The Conan O’Brien Show.” You might also recognize him as Coach from the TV show “Teen Wolf,”which ran for six seasons.

Live Laugh Give comedy night brings together supporters, donors, volunteers, and community members for “a night of laughter, a lifetime of healing.” It’s no coincidence that JFS chose a comedy night event to raise funds for the organization. “At the time, we were looking to develop an event that would bring people together in a fun, entertaining atmosphere,” said Susan Meyer, development manager and co-creator of Live Laugh Give. Studies have proven that laughter has many physical and mental health benefits. According to MayoClinic.org, short-term benefits of laughter can include stimulating many organs, activating and relieving your stress response, and soothing tension. Long-term, laughter may improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and improve your mood.

 All proceeds benefit JFS’s programs and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in our community, including therapy, parenting support, financial and food assistance, domestic violence resources, senior engagement, case management, and Holocaust survivor and family and caregiver support services. With expertise, compassion, and an emphasis on maintaining dignity, JFS’s staff is dedicated to working with clients to develop individualized plans. By uplifting, strengthening, and empowering individuals and families, JFS helps those in need when they need it the most.

 Save the date for our upcoming Live Laugh Give comedy night on Sunday, June 11, 2023, for “A night of laughter, a lifetime of healing.” For sponsorship opportunities and ways to honor Eric and Susan Lerner, please contact Susan Meyer at (704) 364-6594 or [email protected]. To learn more about Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, visit jfscharlotte.org, email [email protected], or call (704) 364-6594.