April 16, 2021 — Rancho Mirage residents Sheri and Jim Borax have been selected as the 2021 recipients of Jewish National Fund-USA’s (JNF-USA) prestigious Tree of Life™ Award for their exceptional contribution to the Jewish community and the land and people of Israel. The humanitarian award recognizes outstanding community involvement, professional leadership, and dedication to the cause of American-Israeli friendship with the devotion to peace and the security of human life.
“Sheri and Jim Borax are ardent Zionists who, through working in various national and local leadership positions within JNF-USA since the 2000s, have generously supported and influenced JNF-USA initiatives in Israel’s north and south,” said JNF-USA Palm Springs Director Donna Raider. “Among some of their major contributions, the Borax’s donated two fire trucks and additional equipment to Israeli firefighters, as well as three much needed bomb shelters in the Gaza Envelope communities. However, perhaps their most passionate philanthropic investment goes toward a cause that is very dear to their hearts: funding scholarships for students who attend JNF-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel — ensuring a prosperous education for the next generation of Jewish leaders.”
The couple will be celebrated at a virtual award reception on June 8, 2021 at 5:00 pm PT. The spectacular ceremony will feature an intimate dialogue with Emmy-award winning actor, director, producer, and best-selling author Henry Winkler and Academy-award winning actress, producer, and activist Marlee Matlin.
In addition to the Borax’s involvement with Jewish National Fund-USA, Sheri is a Lion of Judah with the Jewish Federation of the Desert. Jim is the creator and producer of Jim Borax's California Cabaret, an entertainment group featuring professional singers and dancers who perform unforgettable standards from the Great American Songbook. Many of its performances benefit a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.
The Borax’s are both members of JNF-USA’s national councils, including the Century Council, President’s Society, King Solomon Society, and Gould Legacy Society. Sheri also previously served as the Palm Springs Women for Israel Chair and currently serves as Co-President of JNF-USA Palm Springs Board of Directors.
“We are so blessed to have Sheri and Jim in our JNF-USA family. They are literally changing and saving lives through their generosity. Mazal Tov on this meaningful honor,” said National Campaign Director Sharon Joy.
If you are interested in attending the event and/or would like to make a gift toward a JNF-USA initiative in their honor, contact Donna Raider at draider@jnf.org.
Event details:
What: Tree of Life™ Award Ceremony Honoring Sheri and Jim Borax
When: June 8, 2021 at 5:00 pm PT
Where: Register at jnf.org/treeoflifepalmsprings
Questions about the event? Contact Donna Raider, Director, Palm Springs at draider@jnf.org or 760.864.6208 x989
Event Co-Chairs
Debbie Orgen
Nancy Singer
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Milton
561.447.9733 x 875
About Jewish National Fund-USA
JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, JNF-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation.