Consul General Ido Aharoni greets Rabbi Yossy Gordon at the Israel Bonds Theodore Herzl Medallion Award celebration. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Israel Bonds International Prime Ministers’ Club has chosen husband and wife Richard Allen and Frances Chan as recipients of the organization’s Theodore Herzl Commemorative Medallion.  The award will be formally presented at it International Gala Prime Minister’s Dinner, Sunday, January 30 in Boca Raton, Florida.   A pre-event reception brought together family, friends and professional colleagues who gathered to celebrate the couple’s upcoming honor.

The multi-generational New York reception highlighted the connection of the Allen family with Israel Bonds and the State of Israel.  Attended by friends and family, including the Allen’s three sons and a cadre of nieces and nephews, the occasion made special note of the family’s over 60 year association with Israel Bonds.  Award Presenter Henry Weinstein noted that Richard had attended his first Israel Bond’s event shortly before he was born.

Timberly Whitfield, television host and sister-in-law, was Mistress of Ceremonies for the New York event.  She introduced “Bobbie (Roberta) Goldstein, Israel Bonds’ National Campaign Cabinet Chairwoman, whose offered warm remarks of admiration of the strong involvement of the Allens with Israel Bonds.  The remarks of Keynote Speaker Ido Aharoni, Consul General of the State of Israel in New York, were a highlight of the event.  The Consul noted the importance of Israel Bonds’ involvement with the growth of the Jewish State from its earliest years, and thanked all present for their continued participation.

Allen is President of American Corporate Benefits, a New York based human resource and employee-benefits consulting company established 1987. Chan, his wife of almost 18 years, is a lawyer in New York.  The Allens are actively involved with many local and international or organizations, including  an environmental group involved with the revitalization of the Bronx River, are active in the Jewish Children’s Museum, and are active supporters of Chabad on Campus, an outreach program active on 144 American college campuses. Among those who came to celebrate with the Allens was Rabbi Yossy Gordon, Executive Vice President of the Chabad group. Richard is also a registered Principal with American General Securities, a member firm of FINRA, and has taught at the Graduate School of Queens College.  Both husband and wife serve on several Boards and are active in a broad group of charitable causes.

The New York event was distinctive in its inclusion of dor  v’dor – generations and generations.  Guests from 18 months to 80 + enjoyed a warm and rewarding evening of celebration and acknowledgement of the work of past, current, and future generations of the Allen Family.

From Generation to Generation, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Allen and Sons. Photo: Maxine Dovere.