When you think about the St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J), you probably think about community, culture and connection. But behind the scenes, one group has been quietly making it all possible for 40 years: the J Associates. This isn’t just any volunteer group. It’s the only independent women’s auxiliary of its kind in the entire country—no other J in the nation has a group like this, solely dedicated to raising money for the center.
That’s something worth celebrating.
Earlier this month, the J Associates gathered for their 40th annual luncheon at the J, a celebration of four decades of leadership, philanthropy and community support. This year’s event, co-chaired by Laurie Chod and Brenda Pereles, brought together past and present leaders, community members and supporters to honor the organization’s achievements.
“The room was filled with all of our living past Presidents, Charter Members, our dedicated Board and many from our organization’s membership,” said Chod, who has been involved with the J Associates for more than 22 years. “The room was brimming with camaraderie, love and a real sense of pride.”
That pride was something Pereles felt too, as she stood at the podium looking out at a room full of people who had built this organization from the ground up.
“I looked out and saw all the happy and proud faces. It was an amazing and very proud feeling. It was a heartwarming moment, as so many friendships have been made over the years,” Pereles said.
But for Pereles, it’s not just about the past. It’s about the bonds that make this group special.
“The J Associates are a group of kind, thoughtful, giving women,” she said. “We work together on events and activities, and seeing the impact of our efforts is priceless. We support each other, give back to those less fortunate and, most importantly, have fun. We work as a special village.”
For Amy Bennett, the J Associates’ current president, the 40th anniversary wasn’t just a time to reflect. It was a moment to think about the future.
“As president, I have had the privilege to have a front-row seat to all the good that happens within this organization,” Bennett said. “It is truly a wonderful group of women who are creative, energetic and not afraid to get their hands dirty to do the work to raise funds for our J that in turn benefit so many in our community.”
Bennett, who led the group through a pandemic pivot to virtual fundraisers and more recent in-person events like “Battle of the Stars,” is already looking ahead to the next 40 years.
“My hope is that we continue to support the needs of the Jewish community by raising funds for different departments at the J that touch so many varied populations, from infants to seniors,” she said. “I see no end in sight to creating exciting, successful events.”
With that spirit in mind, the J Associates allocated $175,936 this year, supporting nearly every corner of the J’s programming:
- Multi-Department Support: Digital Message Boards and Software – $11,000
- Adult Day Programs: Adult Day Transportation – $13,000
- Camp Sabra: Scholarships – $6,000; Musical Instruments and Storage – $3,500; Walkie Talkies for Senior Staff – $2,000
- Cultural Arts: Jewish Book Festival – $3,750; Jewish Film Festival – $3,750; Youth Theatre Scholarships – $3,750
- Youth Sports, Maccabi and Aquatics: New Docks, Aqua Instructor Steps – $3,549; JCC Maccabi Games® Scholarships – $3,146
- Special Allocations: Marilyn Fox Building Capital Campaign – $20,000
- Community Support: Meals on Wheels Challahs – $9,000; Garden of Eden Supplies – $4,500; Mobility Stick Instructor Training – $1,500
Forty years in, the J Associates have become more than just a fundraising powerhouse. They’ve built a community—one that’s as strong today as it was in those first garage-sale fundraisers and membership drives.
“We are built on our history that has been passed down from board member to board member for 40 years,” Chod said. “We strongly believe in our traditions and continue to take pride in our support of the programs and services at the J. Our dedication to the J and each other will never wain.”
