Meet J Ball's King of Hearts, Bruce Gould

The Jewish Community Center is pleased to announce this year's honoree for their annual fundraiser, The J Ball, is Bruce Gould. Gould will be honored on March 8 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel for his various community actions and philanthropic efforts accomplished in Orlando, New York and Israel.

Gould's philanthropic desire to help the community started way back in high school and college when he was a member of Key Club and Circle K.  According to Gould, "I always had a love for the JCC and it was a big part of my youth and formative years."

Fast-forward a few years, in what began as a love for the JCC and its activities as a young adult concludes with Gould being active for several years as a vice president on the JCC's board of directors. "The Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando provides vital services to children at a young age.  The education and learning experience these children of all religious persuasions receive is invaluable and lasts a lifetime."

On a local level, Gould has an impressive resume of community endeavors. He serves on the board of Holocaust Memorial Resource Educational Center of Central Florida, the University of Central Florida's Foundation Board and the Touro Law Center's Development Foundation.

"Bruce has been an incredible friend to the JCC," said David Wayne, the JCC's executive director.  "He is the definition of generosity, and so we are thrilled to be able to honor him at the J Ball this year."

Gould and his family have a keen understanding of the importance of supporting educational and have established numerous scholarships, endowed chairs and named libraries at the University of Central Florida, Touro Law Center, New York University, Seminole State College, Adventist University School of Health Sciences and Valencia Community College.

Gould has a deep love for Israel and is dedicated to the Jewish National Fund (JNF). He served as president of the Orlando Campaign Cabinet for more than ten years, President of the Florida Zone for six years and currently serves on the national board as assistant treasurer. He created the Gould Legacy Society to help the organization establish a permanent endowment.

J Ball co-chairs, Rhonda Pearlman, Lynn Minkow and Es Cohen say that this is an event you do not want to miss. "We couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate and honor Bruce for all the good work he has done for the JCC and the Orlando community. Not only is this going to be a special event, it's going to be a fun event! "

This year's fundraiser is extra special because it will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Bruce Gould Poker Invitational. In addition to the poker tournament, the event will have a live and silent auction, casino games, and an amazing array of international foods, entertainment and more.

J Ball ticket prices are $85 per person or $125 for entrance to the poker tournament and gala. Registration for the J Ball is accessible on-line at http://www.orlandojcc.org. Proceeds of the event will help sustain the various programs and services offered by the JCC and help support the Marvin Friedman Scholarship Fund.

Sponsorship opportunities, at various levels of participation, are available. Donations to the auction are always welcome. A few "wish list" items include hotel or resort trips and/or weekend get-aways, jewelry and golf packages For more information, contact David Wayne, executive director, at davidw@orlandojcc.org or 407-621-4042.