The importance of maintaining a strong and dynamic Jewish community in Miami was the message of the evening at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's Pacesetter Event. Nearly 400 members of Miami's Jewish community came together for the event to help Jews in need locally, in Israel and in 64 other countries worldwide. The Pacesetter was chaired by Debra and Jeffrey Wechsler and Hedy and Daniel Whitebook.

Held at the InterContinental Miami, the event featured keynote speaker Ben Stein, an economist, lawyer, columnist and actor best known for his role in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Stein shared a historical perspective on the current economic situation and stressed the importance of the Jewish community working together to help the most vulnerable. Other speakers at the Pacesetter focused on difficulties that many families are facing today as a result of the economic downturn and why it is essential for the Jewish community to help sustain the safety net of services available for those who need emergency financial aid, counseling, employment assistance and much more. Tables at the event were adorned with fresh fruit centerpieces that were donated to the Community Kosher Food Bank, which is operated by Federation's partner agency, Jewish Community Services.

The Federation gratefully acknowledges its Proud Business Partners for their financial support of The Pacesetter Event. Platinum Sponsors were: The Collection; Greenberg Traurig; and Kornreich-NIA Insurance and Financial Services. Gold Sponsors were: Akerman Senterfitt; Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida; Kent Security Services; Sapoznik Insurance & Associates Inc.; and Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. Bronze Sponsors were: Carlton Fields; and Podhurst Orseck, P.A. Silver Sponsor: LBC Design + Construction. Pearl Sponsor: Atlantic Hosiery Outlet.

To learn more about Federation, please call 305-576-4000 or visit JewishMiami.org.