By Judie Jacboson

MADISON – Camp Laurelwood, Connecticut’s only Jewish overnight camp, will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a gala fundraising event honoring three of its longest and strongest supporters: Ken Yaffe, Henry Zachs and Stu Katz.

The celebration, which will include dinner, dancing and more, will be held at the Madison camp on Saturday, August 26, kicking off at 4 p.m. and lasting into the night. Admission is free, but attendees will be asked to make a “meaningful gift” to support the camp and its mission. (For more information on giving opportunities, see page 23.)

Ken Yaffe

A resident of Waterbury, Ken Yaffe has been a presence at Camp Laurelwood for nearly 30 summers – as a camper, counselor, division head, athletic director and boys’ head counselor. “Ken has been an important part of camp for many years,” says Camp Director Ari Golub. “His mentorship, guidance and wisdom have provided a sense of family and belonging that dates back for decades. I cannot think of a ore deserving person to be recognized than Ken.”

“Hands on” is the best way to describe Henry Zachs’ longtime involvement at Camp Laurelwood, says Golub. One of the Connecticut Jewish community’s major philanthropists and the head of the Zachs Family Foundation, Zachs, says Golub, has provided Laurelwood “with his time, advice and generous financial support,” and then some

Henry Zachs

Over the course of the past few years, Henry Zachs has spearheaded Laurelwood’s extensive renovation project, which resulted in the revitalization of virtually every building on the Madison campus – a project that, according to Golub, “would not have happened without the guidance and financial support of the Zachs family.

“Their enduring commitment to Jewish education through camping and at Hillel houses at Trinity College, UConn, and Connecticut College will continue to build a stronger Jewish community for generations,” he adds.

Scott Cooper, Camp Laurelwood board president agrees.

“Working with Henry has been one of the greatest experiences of my volunteer life. Henry not only gives financially but jumps in with both feet sharing of his time and expertise as well.”

Stu Katz

Stu Katz has been involved with Laurelwood for half a century. Literally. A resident of Roseland, New Jersey, Katz has been a camper, staff member and served on the Laurelwood board and as a member of the scholarship, marketing, alumni and development committees. He also designed and funded the Katz Digital Media Center and maintains the camps photo, document and video archives.

“[The 80th Anniversary] honor is well deserved for a young New Haven boy whose life has evolved around camp Laurelwood,” says former Laurelwood camp director Norman Feitelson. “Laurelwood is a much better place for having Stuart as a camper, staff member & board member and has been a very charitable man to Camp Laurelwood.”