In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Ellen was a coveted speaker at Federation events. She addressed 750 women at the Deauville Hotel as part of the Women’s Division annual education day, spoke at Women’s Division, Federation Tuesday in 1977 and 1978, gave a Middle East update in 1980 to 250 women, was Guardian Chair in 1981, spoke at the Lion of Judah luncheon in 1982, addressed Interfaith Day for the Southeast Board of
Women’s Division in 1983, and spoke at many other events during this time. She kept copies of many of her speeches. Regrettably, we only have still photos and newsclips of those events. Ellen’s role as an officer at Federation started around 1977, when she became Parliamentarian, but she quickly became active in fundraising. For example, in 1981 she was Headmistress on Campaign Training Day. In 1982 and 1983 she became the Campaign Vice President (Women’s Division). In 1984, she was the New Gifts Committee Chairwoman, and in 1985 she
Ellen and Bernard at 1986 Pacesetter Dinner
rose to Women’s Division Campaign Chair, a position she held until 1987. Ellen always stated that Campaign Chair was the hardest job she held in Federation, involving countless hours of meetings, phone calls, direct solicitations and, of course, working on Super Sunday. Although she found this work difficult, she also spoke of how rewarding this experience was. In 1987, Ellen became Women’s Division Chairwoman (Aaron Podhurst was President at this time), and Amy Dean was her Vice President. She spoke at numerous events and parlor meetings,
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