A great person -- known for her warmth, caring and devotion to others -- is about to receive an important award.

Monday night, Dec. 12th, at Temple Beth-El, The Birmingham Jewish Foundation will present its NE Miles Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime Jewish community volunteer and supporter Pat Weil. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a light reception at 5 pm and the program will begin at 6:15 pm.

The evening, co-sponsored by The Birmingham Jewish Federation, The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Israel Bonds, will celebrate Birmingham's 30-year partnership with Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel, and also be highlighted by the presentation of The Federation's Joanie Bayer Young Leadership Award to Hilary Gewant, The Federation's Susan J. Goldberg Distinguished Volunteer Award to Lisa Engel, and the N.E. Miles award to Pat.

This award, named for the late Dr. Nathan E. Miles pays tribute to Dr. Miles, who exhibited a lifetime of philanthropy and devotion to our community. The Foundation established this award to honor exceptional individuals who have demonstrated a history of Jewish community involvement and leadership giving to the Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign, and who have established a PACE Fund (Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment) in The Foundation to endow their yearly Federation campaign gift. Recipients of the award are decided by The Foundation's officers.

Endowing one's annual Federation campaign gift means providing The Foundation with an amount of money sufficient enough so that the income each year covers that donor's Federation gift in perpetuity.

COMPASSIONATE & CARING

Pat is a compassionate and caring person. She has worked for many years not only supporting our Jewish community, but also our broader Birmingham community. She has shown outstanding leadership as president of Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood and Spain Rehabilitation Women's Committee and as a member of the board of the Birmingham section of the National Council of Jewish Women.

"Giving to others makes me feel good," says Pat. "Sharing my financial resources and my time helps me express my gratitude for all my blessings." Reflecting on endowing her BJF Campaign gift through The Foundation, Pat added, "My hope is that by giving this legacy gift , my children and grandchildren will be further inspired to share of their time and energy and that I will be remembered by our community long after I'm gone. I have faith in the future of The Birmingham Jewish Federation and Foundation and the good that happens as a result of their day to day work."

Pat, now fit and energetic in her 80s, isn't slowing down -- instead, she seems to be speeding up! Among her current activities, she is a volunteer for the Federation's Literacy Project at Glen Iris Elementary School and serves on Temple Emanu-El's Caring Committee.

Pat, her daughter Amy Saag, who is President of The Foundation, and grandson, Andy Saag, all serve on The Birmingham Jewish Federation board, the first time in memory that three generations of one family have been on the board together. Andy's wife, Brittany, joined the board recently as an ex-officio member.

For "fun" you can find Pat at the Levite Jewish Community Center working out with her trainer, serving as a celebrity dancer in Temple Emanu-El's "Dancing with the Stars" program, or watching Alabama football on TV and shouting "Roll Tide!" with the best of 'em.

DEDICATION TO OUR FUTURE

"Pat shows such excitement and interest in our community! She's not just writing checks, but is pitching in everyday with her time, whether it's coming to a board meeting or tutoring children. If there is a community event, you know Pat will be there," said Sally Friedman, Birmingham Jewish Foundation Executive Director. "With her commitment to endow her Federation annual campaign gift, she has shown her dedication to our future. We are so proud to be presenting the N.E. Miles award to Pat."

And let's not forget that in her "spare time," Pat, along with her husband Leonard, of blessed memory, raised four outstanding children -- Lynn Rathmell, Amy Saag, and Jimmy and Ben Weil -- all of whom are involved in our Jewish community.

While being the Camp Fire leader, the room mother, the team mother, the chief carpooler, Pat was also teaching her children the lessons of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (giving to help others). Today, her four children and grandchildren are continuing Pat and Leonard's legacy of service. On behalf of our Federation and Foundation, we congratulate and thank Pat Weil!

Photo is of Pat Weil, at left, with fellow BJF board members Andy and Amy Saag.