2019–20 — Carolina Gurland
Congratulations to Carolina Gurland, 2019–20 recipient of The Harry Gunther Service Award, which is presented to a deserving Beth Am member who has worked for the benefit of the Temple community in a way which would be considered “above and beyond.”
The award was presented at the virtual Temple Beth Am Annual Meeting on May 17, 2020.
Carolina Gurland serves on the Temple’s Executive Board, having been installed on May 17, 2020 as Vice President of Membership. A longtime member of the Temple Beth Am Board of Directors, Carolina most recently was Vice President of Tikkun Olam.
During the COVID-19 emergency, Carolina spearheaded the effort to reach out to our congregants — especially older members — to make sure that everyone was spoken for, and to determine if anyone needed special assistance during the shutdown.
For 2019–20, a special task force was created to enhance and revitalize Shabbat services, and Carolina was there every step of the way, coordinating special, themed Shabbat dinners on the third Friday of every month to help our members celebrate Shabbat in a more meaningful way. And through her efforts, attendance and participation grew!
This award is named for Harry Gunther, a special man and founding member who made Temple Beth Am a high priority during his lifetime. His widow, Ethelle, remained an active member of the Temple Beth Am family for nearly 60 years until her death in 2013.