Sure, it’s a cliche and all, but nice things really do come in small packages and one of the best examples is Francine Topelson. She may be tiny in stature, but inside that petite frame are a gigantic heart of gold, an iron will and an unshakable resolve to do right by those in need.
On Tuesday, Green Gables Country Club was packed as Topelson was honored at The Golda, a luncheon at which the 2008 Golda Meir Award was presented by the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado Jewish Women’s Philanthropy Center.
Named for the late prime minister of Israel, who lived in Denver for a time, the award is given to a woman who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and involvement in the local Jewish community, as well as an ability to inspire others to become involved with the Allied Jewish Federation. Topelson is the 29th recipient.
Topelson settled in Denver some 25 years ago, arriving by way of her native France, Israel and Mexico. She and her husband, Jorge, are the parents of three and grandparents of four.
The chair of the Jewish Women’s Philanthropy Center, Amy Morris, describes Topelson as one who is “Comfortable on both the front lines and the sidelines,” adding: “Our community is blessed to have a leader and volunteer as committed” as she is.
Topelson spent six years as a member of the center’s board. She also chaired Choices, AJF-Colorado’s largest fundraising and outreach event for women, and was a key player in the federation’s first Leadership Institute.
She is also a valued supporter of Jewish Family Service of Colorado, serving on its board for 12 years and helping to create its popular night-at-the-movies fundraiser, Reel Hope. She helped launch the capital campaign that enabled Jewish Family Service to move into a larger headquarters and expand services; she also has helped three immigrant families settle in the Denver area; and provided regular companionship to an elderly family service client during the final years of her life.
Topelson accepted her honor in typical modest fashion: “Although I am very honored to receive the Golda Meir Award, the rewarding feeling I get from volunteering for the Jewish community would have been enough.”
More good stuff
Thirteen-year-old Missy Franklin, the youngest swimmer to qualify for the Olympic trials, and Janet Elway are among those who’ll be at Excelsior Youth Center this evening for “an Olympic-sized party” that celebrates the opening of the center’s new swimming pool … Hawaii’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be welcomed to Colorado at a party given by Linda and Dr. Richard Kelley of Cherry Hills Village. He’s a medical doctor and chairman of the Colorado Neurological Institute board, and, as owners of the Outrigger hotels, the Kelleys are among the largest private employers in Hawaii. They’re also personal friends of Barack Obama, who grew up in Hawaii and went to the same private school as the Kelleys’ children.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also,
