Charlotte Jewish News December, 2024

Live Laugh Give 2025 co-chairs, Blair Goldsmith and Kevin Levine, are excited to announce this year’s honorees.

“This year, we are thrilled to recognize Larry and Dale Polsky for their many years of contributing to the Jewish and greater Charlotte community.”

Dale’s connection to Jewish Family Services (JFS) began as a teenager when JFS Cleveland assisted her in securing a summer job. This early experience laid the groundwork for her lifelong advocacy and support, where she served on the JFS Charlotte Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007 and took on the role of Secretary in her final year. Together, Larry and Dale have contributed to specific needs as they arise. “Larry and Dale are true advocates for the work of JFS. Whether it has been supporting keeping seniors safe in the community, mental health for our youth, or providing Thanksgiving dinner for families in need, the Polskys have always been there meeting the needs of our community,” said Howard Olshansky, JFS executive director.

Larry recently retired as a senior advisor and a member of the board of directors of The Leon Levine Foundation. His numerous volunteer leadership positions include serving as a trustee at Queens University of Charlotte, as a commissioner at Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas Healthcare System), as a trustee and board chair at Discovery Place, board chair and trustee at the Echo Foundation, a trustee at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and a trustee at the Levine Museum of the New South. Larry was instrumental in re-energizing the participation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Charlotte. He was involved in the creation of the Congressional Club and actively participated in this organization, which raises money to support elected officials who back the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Dale has also made a significant impact on the community.

She was an active leader and mentor for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s women’s division, co-chair of the Lion of Judah campaign, and chair of women’s philanthropy. Dale was the recipient of Federation’s Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, which honors extraordinary women who have set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism. Additionally, Dale served on Temple Beth El’s Ways and Means committee as well as its grand reopening committee, which planned a weekend of activities to showcase the newly expanded building. Dale also had a significant impact on Charlotte’s cultural community, serving as chair of the board of advisors of Charlotte Concerts and vice president of education, where she led efforts to expand and enhance their education programs. She was honorary chair of Charlotte Concerts’ inaugural “A Musical Showcase” and received the Dr. George A. Stegner Award for Exceptional Contributions to Charlotte Concerts. Together, in 2017, Larry and Dale chaired the annual Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC) Kids Triathlon, where a record amount of funds was raised to benefit programs at the Levine Children’s Hospital and the Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program. Subsequently, they were co-chairs for the Learning Society at Queens, named Volunteers of the Year by the LJCC, and honored by Temple Beth El with the Blumenthal Lifetime Achievement Award. Larry and Dale have been married for 55 years and are the proud parents of Anne Brackis (Jonathan) and Jonathan Polsky (Joanna Lindenbaum) and four grandchildren, Dylan and Halle Brackis and Penina and Yael Polsky. Larry and Dale shared, “We’re proud to support an organization that helps Jewish people in need and grateful for the leadership provided by Howard Olshansky and his very capable team.”

The event will feature Elon Gold, a comedian, actor, and writer. His one-hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken,” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is now streaming on Amazon Prime. He has made 10 appearances on “The Tonight Show” and also performed on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the world. Gold starred in FOX’s “Stacked” and developed and starred in the NBC series “In-Laws.” His guest star credits include “Crashing,” “Frasier,” “Chappelle’s Show,” and “Chelsea Lately,” among others. He was also a writer and performer on ABC’s “The Dana Carvey Show.” Most recently, Gold was on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and will appear in the upcoming Kal Penn feature “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.” Gold’s 30-minute stand-up special, “Sets in the City: Elon Gold’s Favorite People,” is available on YouTube, and he is currently on a theater tour preparing his next comedy special.

All proceeds of Live Laugh Give 2025 will benefit JFS’ programs and services, including therapy, parenting support, financial and food assistance, domestic violence resources, senior engagement, case management, and Holocaust survivor, family, and caregiver support services. With expertise, compassion, and an emphasis on maintaining dignity, the JFS staff is dedicated to working with clients to develop individualized plans to help those in need when they need it the most.

Save the date for Live Laugh Give comedy night on Sunday, June 8, 2025, for “A night of laughter, a lifetime of healing.” For sponsorship opportunities and ways to honor Larry and Dale Polsky, 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.