WEST HARTFORD—The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Women’s Philanthropy next month will mark the first anniversary of the Pearl Society – an innovative philanthropic initiative that its founders and organizers call ‘the first of its kind’ and a model for Jewish Federations all across the country. To celebrate the milestone, the Society will host a party on Tuesday, March 1 at Real ArtWays in West Hartford.

“Through events and philanthropy, the Pearl Society establishes a connection to Jewish life for women of all ages who want to give from the heart,” says Debbie Glassman, Federation associate vice president of Development and Women’s Philanthropy.

With their gifts to the Jewish Federation, she adds, Pearl Society members’ “take personal responsibility for the welfare and continuity of the Jewish people. Collectively, these women take the lead in ensuring a vibrant Jewish community for generations to come.”

Founded in 2015 by three Hartford-area women — Katie Fineberg, Melissa Geller and Anna Huttner – today the Pearl Society boasts 150 members, bringing in nearly $30,000 in new funds to support Federation’s annual campaign.

On the eve of its first anniversary, the Pearl Society has become a national model that is being emulated at Jewish Federations across the country. More than five Federations nationwide have already launched their own version of the Hartford group, and another 15 are in the process of organizing similar initiatives.

“It is exciting to see so many women wearing our Pearl Society pendant with pride and to know that this grass roots effort is getting so much attention from Women’s Philanthropy departments in other Federation communities,” says Federation’s 2016 Women’s Philanthropy Chair Carolyn Gitlin. “We are looking forward to reaching and involving more women in our second year.

Pearl Society members receive a signature pendant, custom-designed by Elyse Ryan Jewelry. The piece displays a silver hamsa with a fresh water pearl set in the metal, inscribed on the back with the Hebrew letter ‘pey,’ which represents the Hebrew word p’nina, meaning pearl. Elise Rosenstock, founder of Elyse Ryan Design, works in tandem with students with disabilities who participate in the Easter Seals School-to-Life program to assemble the necklaces. For each necklace sold, Easter Seals donates $10 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. Pearl Society members plan to tour the Easter Seals facility to meet with the students assembling the necklaces.

For more information on membership in the Pearl Society and/or the anniversary event contact Rene Kariel , (860) 727-6118 or rkariel@jewishhartford.org.