Thursday, May 28, 2026
Skirball Cultural Center
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Program & Dinner
Event Co-Chairs: Jeff Paul & Rick Powell
JVS SoCal’s Strictly Business Awards Dinner brings together business leaders, philanthropists, and our employer-partners to honor corporate social responsibility; and individual excellence in compassionate leadership. Event proceeds fuel JVS SoCal’s critical career training programs and job placement services, empowering thousands of individuals annually to overcome barriers to employment while building pathways to economic independence.
More information: Randy Lapin or (323)-761-8598
Honorees + Host
Founders Award
Adrienne Horwitch
Adrienne has been involved with JVS SoCal for over 40 years. She was our first female Board of Directors president and now serves on our Ambassador Board. A Presidential Leadership Award recipient, she and her late husband Elliott also received JVS SoCal’s Lifetime of Service Award. Active in arts, education, and faith communities, she has an extensive history of volunteer leadership across multiple organizations including Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Virginia Robinson Gardens, and the Diadames, and the Council of the Library Foundation. She had a storied career in the fashion industry, is a mother of two, and has five grandchildren.
Corporate Partnership Award
BMO (Bank of Montreal), a multinational investment bank and financial services company, is being honored for their generous philanthropy and steadfast commitment to inclusive hiring. Their investment goes beyond funding JVS SoCal’s incredible no-cost career training programs. BMO’s support creates real opportunity, opens doors for job seekers, and strengthens our communities. We’re grateful for BMO’s partnership and corporate leadership in turning purpose into measurable impact, one hire at a time.
Our Distinguished Host
Fritz Coleman
Fritz Coleman is a Southern California broadcasting icon known for his 40-year career as NBC4’s weather-caster. We are honored to have him back as our distinguished host and grateful for his longstanding dedication to JVS SoCal’s mission.
Event Registration
Register online below, or click here to download a copy of the form.
Our Generous Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Adrienne
Horwitch
Ambassador Sponsors
Susan & Fred
Kunik
Debbie & Rick
Powell
Jill & Harris
Smith
Linda May & Jack
Suzar
Guardian Sponsors
Pam & Steve Hirsh
Benefactor Sponsors
Sharon
Darnov
Nancy & Jeffrey
Paul
Advocate Sponsors
Jamie & Joel
Berman
Bonnie & Ronny
Bensimon
Linda & Jimmy
Hausberg
Deborah & Alan Levey
&
Nancy & Jeff Cherry
Robbi & Tom
Schiff
Angel Sponsors
Wendy & Jeff
Carr
Robert
Pearman
Sponsor list last updated March 10, 2026
Our Impact
JVS SoCal is a leading workforce development and social service agency serving a diverse population, with a whole-person approach and lived experience through:
- Job readiness programs and supportive services that reduce barriers to employment.
- Career training programs that are responsive to industry and market demand.
- Job placement assistance and career connections, including job fairs, mentoring, and work experience.
- Case management that guides our clients toward sustainable careers with wage growth over time.
- Support to employers seeking qualified candidates and out-placement services.
- Specialized services to, among others: veterans, refugees, women, youth, and justice-involved individuals.
- Scholarships and grants that invest in participants for the long term.
More Information
For more information about JVS SoCal’s 26th Annual Strictly Business event, please contact Randy Lapin or by phone at (323)-761-8598
Your contribution to JVS SoCal will empower individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence..
JVS SoCal is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Our Tax ID is 95-1691012