Jewish Family & Children’s Service will honor two philanthropic individuals, Sidney Guller and Dr. Mary C. Hoke, during the agency’s Nov. 30 fundraising gala, “The Magic of Making a Difference.”

The event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, 191 Westport Plaza, and feature appetizers, drinks, dinner and musical performances by STAAM, a Washington University a capella group. Actor and entertainer Ben Nordstrom will serve as the emcee.

Part of the event will be dedicated to “Fund the Need,” a live call for donations that will be allocated to JF&CS’ Child Abuse Prevention Program, Eldercare Services, Counseling Services, Homemaker Program and the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

Guller, who will be honored for being an exceptional community philanthropist, is chairman of the board of Essex Industries, Inc. and has been active in numerous organization serving youth and the community for decades. He has been a longtime supporter of JF&CS and many specific projects through the agency’s Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. 

Hoke, who will receive the Agency Service Award, has been on staff at JF&CS since 1979. She holds a doctorate in organizational psychology, and a master of social work degree from Washington University. She has served on the boards of the American Cancer Society, Life Crisis Services and Kids In The Middle, and also served on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging.

“St. Louis is extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful, vibrant philanthropic community. It’s important to us that we highlight and celebrate some of the individuals who help us keep it this way,” said JF&CS CEO Lou Albert in a statement. “Sidney and Mary are pillars in our community who are always actively searching out new ways to help those in need.”

For more information about the JF&CS Annual Gala, contact Laura Robbins, 314-812-9365, [email protected]. Tickets are $150 (or $70 for those under age 40).