Gary grew up at B’nai Shalom of Olney, walking to and from synagogue on Friday nights with Rabbi Phillip Pohl who lived nearby. Gary, his wife Brooke and their two children, Emmett and Tyler, joined Olam Tikvah in 2015.  Brooke and Gary enrolled their children in Hebrew School and have been participating in social action activities like supporting a local women’s shelter around holidays and participating in food and school supply drives.  Gary showed an interest in attending Men’s Club social events – winning the poker tournament one year.  With a finance background, he’s Chief Investment Officer for a wealth management firm, he was quickly identified by long time Treasurer Marvin Kon to take over as Treasurer in 2017.  He’s been Treasurer of OTMC ever since and frequently helps whenever needed whether it’s in the kitchen, cutting Schach around Sukkot, or delivering Yellow Candles for Yom HaShoah. Gary also helps Irv Varkonyi run the infamous Olam Tikvah Election Brunch – where Republicans and Democrat candidates make predictable faux pas each October.  Gary is a member of Olam Tikvah’s Board and chairs Olam Tikvah’s Investment Committee.  During the pandemic, Gary attended evening prayers in person almost daily to ensure a minyan was possible for those who needed to say kaddish.  Still, Gary’s not quite sure why he’s won this award.  “All I did was show up”.  Sometimes that’s enough.