Written by Shlomit Ovadia of JCC Denver
JCC Denver is pulling out all the stops on Saturday, November 2 at 6:45 pm just past sunset, for its annual community celebration and fundraising event, TODAH (which means “Thank you in Hebrew”). A far cry from your typical seated formal affair, the big community celebration welcomes guests to an evening of LED light tricks, breakdancers, youthful games, and carnival-style bites— all with a purpose.
TODAH invites guests to experience just how the JCC serves as a crucial and active resource faithfully orbiting the epicenter of Jewish life in Denver. From enrichment programs to cultural events, our 35,000-foot vision will come into focus during this evening of untethered Jewish Joy, like a plane that’s reached cruising altitude on a clear day.
When I asked Joe Hodas—one of this year’s TODAH sponsors—why he chooses to give, the entrepreneur and father shares two primary reasons: JCC Denver’s support in helping his family integrate into the community upon moving here from Texas, and to honor his close friend of 30+ years, Mike Kboudi, who is soon stepping into the role of Chairman of the JCC Board.
Past JCC Maccabi Game athletes with Spencer Hodas (number 34) and Mike Kboudi
“In the early days, JCC Denver was a focal point for us to connect with other Jewish families and became part of our fabric early on,” Joe explains. And “basketball introduced me to people I still know and have relationships with today. I wasn’t getting that [Jewish connection] elsewhere.”
After meeting Mike Kboudi through basketball, Joe’s son, Spencer Hodas, trained under and attended the JCC Maccabi Games with Mike as his coach for several years. Now, after serving on the JCC Board of Directors for several years, Mike will be stepping into the Chairman position.
“Mike represents the things that I don’t do. Putting my support behind Mike is my way of contributing to the J. I believe he has the passion for the JCC and Jewish community to take it forward and I want to show support for that.”
Now that Joe’s eldest son, Spencer Hodas, at 22, has begun frequenting the JCC as a young professional, Joe has even more reason to substantiate his donation. “Giving through TODAH is a better way to support the growth of the JCC and provide opportunities for young adults to be engaged,” he adds.
Everyone has reasons that motivate them in life, in how they choose to make an impact in the world. For TODAH sponsor Linda Mossman, that reason is l’dor v’dor– passing from one generation to the next, a value that has upheld her family’s longstanding legacy of giving.
“My family has been a JCC family in Nashville (and now in Denver) for as long as I can remember,” she recalls, having gone to preschool at the J in Nashville and sending her own children to JCC preschools and camps. “We spent a lot of time there.”
Linda comes from a philanthropic family with close ties to the Nashville and Boca Jewish communities. “The reason our family got involved in the JCC is because when my dad, Eugene, was a little boy of about 14 years old, his father died. He moved back to Nashville where his mother was from and had nowhere to go after school, and basically was on the streets,” she explains, her voice cracking, ripe with emotion. “He walked into the [Young Men’s Hebrew Association at the time] and said, ‘I’d like to join this.’ They asked, ‘how much do you have?’ to which he replied, ’50 cents.’ They told him, ‘That’s how much it will cost you.’” Eugene told Linda that moment saved his life. “My father gave a lot, not just to Jewish communities, but they were his favorite charities,” of the synagogues, Jewish schools, and JCCs he supported.
Through every act of kindness, Eugene lived by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, committed to making the world a better place for as many lives as he could touch, and Linda says it inspires much of her own giving.
“I give to make a difference. The JCC is the one place that Jewish people can go to or have a home at, but I hope we can provide more than just a home,” referring to other needs being met through initiatives like the Lexi Hammerman Baby Pantry located at JCC Denver, founded by her daughter, which provides baby supplies, Jewish cultural items, and assistance with rituals like baby-naming ceremonies.
“Your kids are only going to learn from you, so try to do the best you can to give and get involved with the JCC [in their honor].”
Amidst the dazzling lights, youthful energy, and delicious bites, TODAH stands as more than just a fundraiser—it’s truly intended as a celebration of people and the spirit that create our community. For sponsors like Joe Hodas and Linda Mossman, supporting the JCC means building a future where every generation can experience the same sense of belonging, purpose, and community as they have. Secure your spot now: Explore sponsorship donation packages, and purchase tickets Here!
