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JOAN KUTNER SOCIAL ACTION AWARD
OCTOBER 13, 2005
Speech
given by President, 2005-07 Barbara Haworth at the Yom Kippur morning service
It is my privilege today to present the very first ever Congregational award for social action. In the history of our congregation, there is only one other individual for whom an award has been created and that is the Carl Essenoff Award for extraordinary community service. Like the Essenoff award, this award implies an order of magnitude by virtue of the name that it carries.
The Congregation Beth Israel Joan Kutner Social Action Award was approved by the Board of Directors in June of this year as a means of recognizing outstanding individuals for their service and dedication to social action and tikkun olam in both the Jewish and general communities. The board resolution reads: "The award is named for Joan Kutner, beloved member of the Congregation, first recipient of the award, and the embodiment of the Jewish values which the award is intended to honor." This award is not an annual award; rather it will be presented if and when appropriate.
For 19 years and 22 weeks, Joan Kutner served meals to what began as a few dozen homeless San Diegans. Father Joe Carroll was enthused that a group of Jewish people would take over his work on Sunday mornings thus allowing his regulars to attend church services. A magnificent interfaith relationship was thus born.
Over the nearly 20 years since Joan Kutner began what became known in our congregation as "The Hunger Project." this program soared in all respects. As many as 1,000 people now depend on this program every Sunday. Until August of this year, Joan and/or her husband Leon were there every single Sunday. When Joan's health did not permit her to be actively engaged, Leon took over.
What started as a feeding program became so much more for those to whom Joan refers as her "clients." This one woman social service agency coordinated buying and preparing the food, coordinating volunteers to serve it as well as a tutoring and clothing program. There were special drives throughout the year for school supplies, books, magazines and toys. Joan also led the fundraising activities to keep the Hunger Project alive.
This incredible woman made this her mission seven days a week — often making house calls and seeing that her clients needs were met in whatever way necessary. One of Joan's greatest honors was having one of her clients name her baby after her. Our Joan Kutner is now godmother to Baby Joan.
The Hunger Project still lives on for Congregation Beth Israel at St. Vincent De Paul every Sunday. Even though Joan and Leon have taken a break, we are still sponsoring the meal and sending our volunteers to serve. Please use the envelope you received when you entered to make a donation to continue this vital work.
If you wish to volunteer for the Hunger Project, please call the temple and speak with the volunteer coordinator.
The Torah teaches us that a society is judged by how it treats its weakest members. Thanks to Joan Kutner, we all have had and still have the opportunity to participate in an incredible mitzvah.
We are having a wonderful permanent plaque made which will hang proudly in the temple as a tribute to this award and will list Joan and all award winners in the future. Joan, please come and accept a smaller plaque for your home and our heartiest thanks to you for not only helping so many people for so long but also for being the absolute embodiment of tikkun olam.
Yasher koach!
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