Neil Kornfeld, President 1992 - 1994

A supporter and active member of the Jewish Community Centre, for many years, Neil served as President from 1992-1994. Bringing a new kind of leadership to the Board of Directors, Neil provided strong lay direction during the Phase III expansion of the Jewish Community Centre. In 1998, Neil played a critical role in helping to establish the Board of Governors of the Jewish Community Centre. Neil remains an active member of the Board of Directors and the prestigious Board of Governors. The Centre is also fortunate to have Neil’s legal skills, as a professional, to ensure the Jewish Community Centre’s well being. Neil is a partner in the law firm of Kornfeld, Mackoff Silber. He and his wife, Judy, have two daughters.

Gary Averbach, President 1994 - 1997

The Jewish Community Centre has been most fortunate to have had Gary Averbach as President for a record three year period from 1994 – 1997. Gary’s involvement in the Centre dates back to his youth and his vision for the Centre focused on a facility that he would be proud to pass on to his children and grandchildren. During his tenure as President, the major expansion was completed. Currently, Gary serves as one of the Co-Chairs of the JCC Capital Campaign but shares his skills in fundraising as a Chair for the Jewish National Fund, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. Gary’s family can truly take pride in the legacy he has helped to build in this community. His wife, Diane, has been the consummate hostess welcoming the many dignitaries Gary has brought to their home. Always equally supportive, are their three children and their families.

Julie Seelig, President 1997 - 1999

Julie Seelig brought, to the Jewish Community Centre, passion, creativity, devotion and unlimited energy. Julie was most instrumental in reaching out to the Jewish and general community to attract new supporters. Julie was very much a hands-on President, with no job too big or small to tackle. Included in her “duties”, was a starring role in the award winning “JCC Burn the Mortgage” promotional video. This capital campaign was a success, thanks in no small measure to Julie’s boundless commitment and tireless hardwork. Julie has also been involved in many other civic projects and charity causes. The Vancouver community, as well as the JCC, is richer for her devotion, support and generosity. Julie is married to Michael and they are proud parents of three children. Jonathan, their eldest son, is also a major benefactor of the Jewish Community Centre and has inherited his parent’s sense of giving back to the community.

Karl Taussig, President 1990 - 1992

For many years, the JCC has been Karl's second home (some say that it's his first home). Karl started out in Czechoslovakia, moved to the United Kingdom and ended up on the west coast of Canada. The Jewish Community Centre gave him a focal point for his involvement in Vancouver's Jewish Community.

What are some of Karl's proudest achievements at the JCC? He accompanied the Prime Minister's wife, Aline Chretien on her tour of the centre. He was instrumental in deciding that the front of the JCC would be decorated with Jerusalem stone. He insisted that the new swimming pool have the capacity to be used for aquatherapy.

Karl has contributed greatly to the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, and continues to be active in fundraising and the library committee. We trust that this relationship will continue for many more years.

Bank of Montreal & Bill Hogg
Scotiabank & Jack McKinty
Investors Group & Ken Karasick
Lohn Foundation
Marsid Family Foundation & Sid and Marie Doduck
Opus Developments & Maurie Feldberg
Oreck Karby Barristers & Solicitors & Peter Oreck
Shaw Sabey Insurance & Ron Runte
TOS Insurance Services Ltd. & Tina and Lara Osen
Zlotnik Lamb & Company & Garry Zlotnik
BIH Investments Inc. & Bud and Cheryl Herman

Army & Navy & Jacqui Cohen
Shirley & Peter Barnett
Julie & Chuck Bentall
Dales Industries Ltd. & Harvey Dales
Marion & Louis Eisman
Margaret & Max Fugman
Lauri & Barry Glotman
Sandra & Arnold Gold
Rennie Marketing Systems & Bob Rennie
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory & Tammi and Brian Kerzner
Shafran Investments & Elaine and Zev Shafran
Tessler & Stein & Ben Tessler
Tullis Realty Ltd. & Wayne Tullis
Urban Design Architects & Paul Chiu
Annette Rothstein
Darlene & Bob Spevakow
Penny & Mel Sprackman
John Welson
Anita & Earl Winestock