Jewish Federation SupportAnn-Louise Kleper, Vice Chairman of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Board of Directors, addressed the JVS Chicago annual meeting and illuminated the Federation’s support for the agency’s work.

Hannah’s AwardJVS Chicago honored Hannah Marie Thompson (left), who writes social media content for the River North Business Association, as its Client of the Year. She delivered an emotionally charged acceptance speech and received a standing ovation after Senior Aide Maria Freytes (right) introduced her.

Lettuce Entertain You EnterprisesJVS Chicago’s Employer of the Year Award went to Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, which Hope Heotis (right) commended for the company’s outstanding work with deaf and hearing impaired workers. Howard Katz (left), President of LEYE’s Wildfire restaurant group, accepted the award.

Howard Katz Howard Katz told the 2013 JVS Chicago Annual Meeting, “We look forward to working with JVS for many years to come and hope to place many more people in our restaurants.” Christine Hill of LEYE (left) helped to coordinate Katz’s appearance.

Richard’s farewellRetiring from JVS Chicago for the second time, Richard Rotberg received a special acknowledgment from the board of directors.

Parting giftsBoard President H. Debra Levin (left) gave JVS Chicago board Immediate Past President Elaine Saphier Fox two gifts -- one serious, and a symbolic bottle of glue just for fun. The two have been partners in the same law firm.

Helping handsSergio Camarillo, recipient of the Robert B. Bloom Recognition and Excellence Award, expresses his thanks to the JVS Chicago 2013 annual meeting while Sign Language Interpreter Kevin Jackson looks on.

WinnersHonorees of the 2013 JVS Chicago Annual Meeting posed for a photo after the meeting.

New CVOCarolyn Jones, new Chief Vocational Officer of JVS Chicago, addresses the annual meeting.

Sitron’s messageHoward Sitron, Executive Director of JVS Chicago, addresses the annual meeting.

Rotberg SaluteGifts and praise went to Richard Rotberg, former executive director of JVS Chicago who recently retired for the second time.

Antman honored Richard Rotberg gave Sheila Antman, Senior Clerical Aide, her award for service to JVS Chicago.

Janice Kaufman honoredDevelopment Director Janice Kaufman and Richard Rotberg listen to the nice things being said about her.

Rockin honoredDonna Rockin, director of the Duman Center for Entrepreneurship, was among those honored for service to JVS Chicago.

Kathy Zook honoredHoward Sitron congratulated Kathy Zook, Communication Assistant/Secretary, on her career at JVS Chicago.

Altman named Volunteer of the YearTom Altman, a retired IBM executive, received his award for JVS Chicago Volunteer of the Year.

Elaine Schwartz Award WinnersHope Heotis, Helene Levine and Bob Parkinson shared the honors for ‘innovations in program delivery.”

Employee of the YearMichele Ackerman, (right) Supervisor, Youth Services & Pharmacy Technician Training Program, reads kudos for the agency’s Employee of the Year Jamie Sandberg, Youth Employment Specialist.

Time to NoshStaff and other guests enjoyed the post-meeting buffet. That’s honoree Laurie Rosen, Executive Career Consultant, in the foreground.