FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:

Kyle Riley

Stone Ward for Belz Enterprises

501.604.6160, kriley@stoneward.com

 

 

Family, Friends and Dignitaries Honor Jack Belz

for 80 Years of Passion and Commitment

Tribute dinner benefits Kadima Memphis Jewish High School

 

More than 750 admirers filled the Peabody Memphis Grand Ball Room Sunday evening to celebrate the life-long passion and commitment of one of Memphis’ most extraordinary visionaries, Jack Belz. 

World leaders, city and state officials, and numerous friends were all in attendance to commemorate Jack’s 80th birthday, all with words of admiration and respect about the man’s outstanding compassion for his city and community.  All proceeds from the Jack Belz National Tribute Dinner were donated to the Marilyn & Jack Belz Educational Fund at the Kadima Memphis Jewish High School.

Special guests of the evening included His Excellency Sallai Meridor, Ambassador to the United States for the state of Israel; Richard Joel, President of Yeshiva University; and Rabbi Rafael Grossman, Senior Rabbi Emeritus, Baron Hirsch Congregation.

            Additional speakers included Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen; Senior Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Baron Hirsch Congregation; Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton and Memphis Mayor W. W. Herenton, who declared December 16, 2007 as “Jack Belz Day.”

“There would be no Downtown renaissance that we enjoy had it not been for the Belz family,” said Herenton.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also sent his appreciation in a video greeting.

            Yeshiva University’s Cantor Joseph Malovany paid tribute as he preformed with the accompaniment of John Boatner.  Shortly following dinner, Marilyn Belz, Jack’s wife of 59 years, narrated her husband’s compelling story in a tribute video.

            Touched by the efforts of so many in attendance, Belz replied, “I’m very humbled that so many of you would come out in my honor.  It is because of you that my life has been a very blessed one.”

Andrew J. Groveman, President of the Kadima Memphis Jewish High School, was the evening’s master of ceremonies. 

            For more information about the Jack Belz National Tribute Celebration Dinner, contact Kyle Riley at kriley@stoneward.com or 501.604.6160.  To learn more about Belz Enterprises, visit www.belz.com.

-# # #-