Kurt and Sonja Messerschmidt
On September 14, 2019, The Cedars was honored to present Judy Glickman Lauder with the first Cantor Kurt Messerschmidt Humanitarian Award. Cantor Messerschmidt, a long-time resident at The Cedars, is remembered for his legacy of resilience, compassion, and success against great odds. Judy Glickman Lauder, an internationally renowned photographer, humanitarian, and philanthropist, was chosen for the award as her life and art exemplify the ideals valued by the Cantor and The Cedars.
Richard Borts, Board Chair, Judy Glickman Lauder, and Kathy Callnan, President and CEO
The evening, hosted by Kathy Callnan, President and CEO at The Cedars and Richard Borts, Board Chair, began with hors d’oeuvres in The Atrium as a small chamber group played. Guests were escorted into the beautifully illuminated tent with tables adorned in autumn arrangements and candlelight, to the sounds of the Cantor’s music. As dinner was served, the program began with violinist, Jennifer Elowitch playing the Theme from Schindler’s List as Judy’s photographs were shared on large screen monitors.
The program participants shared memories about Kurt and celebrated Judy for their humanitarian contributions. Speakers included friends of Judy, Senator Angus King and Mary Herman, Leonard and Merle Nelson, in addition to Cantor Messerschmidt’s son, Michael. Kathy Callnan took a few moments to share the challenged that senior care is facing with the aging population and the shrinking workforce, and The Cedars bold journey into the Household Model of Care with the construction of the Sam L. Cohen Households.
The hosts presented Judy and the guests with a short film featuring Judy’s husband, children and several grandchildren, each sharing the special influence her wisdom, passion for giving and intense love for family, her friends and the world has had on their own lives.
Kathy Callnan and Richard Borts presented the award to Judy – a glass flame and base which was engraved with Cantor Messerschmidt’s quote, “It’s what you give that defines you.”
Following this highly memorable evening, Judy graciously shared how touched she was to be recognized by The Cedars, the nominating committee, and her Portland friends and community, sharing “It was the most amazing evening ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Left to Right: Merle and Leonard Nelson, Michael Messerschmidt, Cantor Scott Harris, Richard Borts Board Chair, Kathy Callnan President and CEO, Judy Glickman Lauder, Senator Angus King, Mary Herman, Bronte Kastenberg and Eden Glickman
Photographer, Brian Peters