Giving to Others During Difficult Times

Today I spent most of the day at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. I was honored by Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Hadassah is the largest volunteer organization and the largest women’s organization in the United States. It was a true honor. The event was a spring luncheon and boutique benefitting Hadassah Youth Programs.

It was amazing to see the room filled to capacity for the charity event, especially considering how we’re living through tough economic times.

One of the highlights of the event was when my daughter introduced me. Nicole wouldn’t allow me to read her speech before she presented it.

I know that she’s a talented speaker, so I looked forward to her presentation. Her words brought me to tears. When she was done it was my turn to speak, and I found it difficult to make my presentation at first because I was so moved by her touching speech.

Hadassah printed a tribute book, and I was able to thumb through it in my office after the event.

My husband, Saeed, wrote the following:

The girl with a heart of gold who stole my heart in college. The loving and caring mother and grandmother who has raised our three children and the ideal capable partner who has shared my life and made it so bright and beautiful. I’d like to thank Myra for her commitment to all charitable causes and today for her dedication to Hadassah.

My kids, Nicole, Michael, and Howie, my son-in-law Jason and my two grandkids Joshua and Eva wrote the following: To an incredible Mom and Gramdma, who teaches her family and her community what it means to have a “Nefesh Yehudi,” a Jewish soul. Her daily example reminds us of the importance of love and tzedakah, or charity.

But that was an hour ago. Now it’s back to work. I’m at the office making follow-up calls and celebrating closed escrows. Business hasn’t been easy, especially at the end of last year. But things have picked up. Deals have closed and based on sales so far, 2009 has been a good year.

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