In 2009, an award was created that provides the President with the opportunity to recognize outstanding lay leaders and staff for the work they do to help the J fulfill its mission.

The Manny Gale Presidential Award for Volunteerism is named after the J’s sixth president. Manny worked tirelessly with other members of our community to ensure that the landscape in Northern Virginia would include a Jewish Community Center.

Each year the J’s senior management team recognizes one of our dedicated volunteers for the outstanding work he or she has performed that helps the J better serve the community and that celebrates the difference that one volunteer can make in building our community.

Suzy Goldhammer first became an active member of the JCC Board in 1987. She quickly moved to Vice President of Programs then to Vice President of Administration. From 1993-1995 Suzy served as the JCC of Northern Virginia's President. Her commitment to the J was so strong that after completing her term as President, she became a staff member as Assistant Director from 1995-1997. Suzy was a considerable force. With her passing, the Suzy Goldhammer Award for Service to Children and Youth was created to honor her memory.

Eleanor Sue Finkelstein, along with her husband, Ben, was one of the founders of the J. She consistently supported fundraisers, headed the library committee, was an especially avid volunteer, and served as a member of the Board of Directors. In later years, Elly thought it was time to develop special needs programming in Northern Virginia and, in 2007, it was Elly’s suggestion that our fall fundraiser benefit special needs programming at the J. For five years, the JCC's Annual Gala provided funding for the development of major special needs programs, initiatives that continue to grow to this day.

The Eleanor Sue Finkelstein Award is given to someone through or from the community who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the special needs community of Northern Virginia through service, leadership and/or program development.

Recipients of the award exemplify some or all of the following characteristics:

• A leader and role model; for example, leads a committee or a special initiative
• An inspiration to others in engaging the community in the world of Special Needs
• A person who made an outstanding contribution to the community through volunteer service
• A person who fosters the virtues and skills of civic engagement and social responsibility
• An advocate, ambassador, educator, and/or promoter
• An innovator; brings to the table a new way to serve the Special Needs community, gather volunteers or develop leadership
• A person with a demonstrated commitment of at least 2 or 3 years of activity