JEF cancels annual event over confirmed local coronavirus cases

The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana (JEF) has canceled its Annual Major Event scheduled for this Sunday, March 15, over an abundance of caution following the troubling news that at least three people have tested positively for exposure to COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.

The Audubon Tea Room at last year’s Major Event for the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana. (Photo by Alan Smason)

In a joint statement issued by JEF on Wednesday morning, JEF executive director Bobby Garon and president of the board of trustees Larry Lehmann stated they were “disheartened” to learn of the local reports and made the decision to cancel the fundraiser, which includes a program of awards presented to deserving community members.

The indoor event was scheduled to take place at the Audubon Tea Room next to the Audubon Zoo late on Sunday morning.

“Please know that we will always put our community first and foremost,” the statement read. “We understand this is a very unsettling time for everyone and we remain focused on taking care of each other.”

The statement went on to ask the community to “continue to show kindness and concern to others.” It noted the JEF does plan “to reschedule and celebrate our honorees in the future.” A spokesperson for the JEF could not confirm the event will be rescheduled at the same venue, but said the hope is that it will.

Among the community members being honored this year are Joyce and Sidney Pulitzer with the Tzedakah Award for their philanthropic and community work. Also, Charles “Rusty” Levy is being given the Young Award for his work as an advisor and counselor. Caitrin Muldoon Gladow is the recipient of this year’s Helen A. Mervis Jewish Community Professional Award.

For more information, call the JEF office at 504-524-4559 or email jef@jefno.org.