Donna Segal, Volunteer Extraordinaire

2018 Volunteers of the Year Peyton Berg, Jennifer Zorn, Shelly Rubinstein, Donna Segal, Susie Beiman, Karen Garnica and David Klaus with JCC board members Rebecca Miller and Kent Newton.

(Published Oct 10, 2019)

Donna Segal and her family have been members of the J for more than 50 years. From her daughters attending and later working at summer camp and as lifeguards at the pool to her and her husband using the Mordoh Fitness Center to “rebuild their strength and soul” after they each had life-threatening surgery, Donna has an appreciation for all facets of the J.

“I love the JCC for it is a real community center with a diverse membership,” she said. “I enjoy seeing the multiple generations: the young children walking to the pool or being pushed in the red strollers and the elderly walking in with canes or walkers to use the fitness center or the therapy pool.”

Arts and Culture in the Spotlight

But perhaps Donna’s favorite thing about the J is the Arts & Education programming. She enjoyed attending the J’s cultural events so much throughout the years that after she retired, she decided to begin volunteering for them. Along with being an active member of the J’s Arts & Education and Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts committees, at events Donna sells books and tickets, runs the Will Call table and more.

“There are so many terrific volunteers at the JCC, which is just one of many reasons that make volunteering for the J so much fun,” Donna said. “Working with the talented, creative and accomplished staff and volunteers has been a delight. I appreciate the quality of the programs and how they are designed to build a diverse community. It energizes me to be able to play a small part in the outstanding opportunities – from top author visits to jazz performances to a live Appeals Court session to award-winning theater to non-partisan political commentary and so much more – offered at reasonable prices and in a neighborhood within reach of so many people.”

Sandi Zeckel and Donna Segal helping out at the ticket table for a 2018 Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts event.

Todah! (Thank You!)

Come to one of this year’s Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts events and you’ll likely see Donna helping out behind the scenes. Thank you, Donna, for showcasing exactly what makes the J’s volunteers so special.