Federation’s Cornerstone 2025
On March 3rd, Federation’s Cornerstone, we honored seven incredible leaders in our community — Alma Gildenhorn, Carol & Gary Berman, Sophie & Bradley Buslik, and Rachel & Peter Federowicz — and raised more than $1M for the Cornerstone Fund. The Fund will allow us to expand our commitment to the next generation to help them grow into leaders who embody Jewish values and have the confidence and skills to strengthen our community. If you’d like to support the fund or learn more, please reach out to Bari Sigal.
Hearing our honorees share the defining moments that inspired them to lead — whether by building the foundations of our institutions, investing in the next generation, or standing up for our community in times of both celebration and challenge — fills us with hope for the future. We hope the stories of this year’s honorees encourage you to explore how you can make an impact and find deeper connection within our community.
Honoring our Community Leaders
Honoree Tributes & Sponsorships
Meet the Honorees
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Proceeds benefit the Cornerstone Fund: Investing in teens, college students, and young adults during these critical times to foster their Jewish identity and values.
PILLAR
Carol & Gary Berman
The Joseph* & Alma Gildenhorn Family
The Levitt Foundation
Randall Levitt & Johanna Chanin
Mark Levitt & Kay Klass
Pete & Rachel Federowicz
Jeff & Rebecca Rubenstein
Elliot Levitt & Andrea Autrey
Max Levitt & Samantha Redman
Joel & Jillian Levitt
Devorah & Kevin Berman, Emily & Adam Berman, and Emily & Casey Berman
FOUNDER
Bender Foundation
Nussdorf Family Foundation
Susie & Michael Gelman
Robin Hettleman & Matthew Weinberg
VISIONARY
The Gildenhorn Speisman Family Foundation
Alma Gildenhorn
Carol & Michael Winer
Michael & Cathy Gildenhorn
Dennis & Leslie Speisman
Robert & Brenda Speisman
Stephanie Speisman
Michael Salzberg & Deborah Ratner Salzberg
Dennis & Debra Berman
Leslie & Samuel Kaplan
Alan & Amy Meltzer and Family
MENTOR
The Gudelsky Foundation
Debra & James Buslik and Family
Genine Macks & Josh E. Fidler and Drew Fidler & Yoav Stein
Phil Margolius
Anonymous
Yvonne Schlafstein Distenfeld & Jeffrey Distenfeld
Robert & Rhonda Zahler
Rick Melnick of Greenberg Traurig
ADVOCATE
Grace Bender, Dorothy G. Bender Foundation
University of Maryland
Jill & Robert Granader
The Scott and Marinaccio Families
Burman Family Foundation
Carol & Robert Burman
Courtenay & Ed Wallach
Adventist Healthcare
The Honorable Ann Brown
Harvey & Shari Goodman and Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters International
Capital Camps & Retreat Center Leaders
Arlene Cherner
Zach Friedlis & Julie Polinger
David Selden & Julie Wallick
Dina & Jerry Leener
Nancy & Marc Duber and Family
Carol & Marty Segal and Family
Bormel Grice & Huyett, P.A
Gavin & Monica Abrams
Stephen M. Salny
Linda K & Harold Z Friedman Family Philanthropic Fund
Judy & Bob Snyder
Alan & Nancy Bubes
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTERS
Cherry & Kenny Goldblatt
Melissa Kimmel & Jason Goldblatt
Scott & Jane Brown
Geraldine Fogel Pilzer
Tuesday Torah
Susan Sherwin
Scott & Donna Attman
Caryn & Gary Silverman
Brian & Marianna Ashin, Paul & Alix Bortnick, Drew & Lindsay Karr, and Brian & Robin Levenson
B’nai Israel Congregation
Vicki Berman
Kevin Fishkind
Jane Cafritz
Roger & Cheri Friedman
Congregation Beth El
Marc Chodock & Lisa Harrow
Andrea Felzer & Louis Marmon
Arthur & Rachel Adler and Family
Rona Eisner
Chris Dionot
Bill & Norma Tiefel
Michael & Ellie Flyer
Ross & Heather Charkatz
Michael Kress & Mimi Brodsky Kress
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Donna & Bruce Genderson
Nancy & Steve Jacobson
Rhea Schwartz
The Grunbergers
Leslie & Bruce Lane
Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation
H&R Retail
Torah School of Greater Washington
Canasta Lions Group
Joanie & Seth Goldberg
Irene & Daniel Simpkins
Zelda Heller
Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School
Federation’s Family Business Group
JCRC of Greater Washington
Ian & Judy Cohen
Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat