Westfield Couple Honored For Philanthropic Work

Westfield, NJ - Westfield's married couple Saul and Shelley Leighton were honored for their philanthropic work by the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) of MetroWest New Jersey.

“I feel fantastic,” Saul said of being honored.

“We are very honored to be chosen,” Shelley told Patch.

Saul is the founder of the family-owned business Bayway World of Liquor in Elizabeth and Shelley is a retired special education teacher who worked with elementary aged students and adolescents in the Marlboro Public Schools. Shelley also works for Allied Beverages.

The couple has always given back to the community in one form or another so it came as no surprise they would help the JVS.

JVS provides life-enhancing services on a nonsectarian basis to nearly 20,000 individuals each year.

Founded in 1939, JVS is a nonprofit, community-based health and human service organization, delivering a wide array of personalized services.

Using the slogan “Helping People Help Themselves,” JVS repairs the world, one person at a time; allowing their clients to achieve the highest degree of independence and dignity.

Their staff of more than 100 skilled professionals work with a diverse range of individuals in need of employment, education, training, rehabilitation, eldercare and other specialized services.

“We love doing what is right and just and fair,” Shelley said. “We love doing good deeds for others. It’s the way we have lived our lives - taking care of family, friends and the community.”

Being in business for many years, Saul had a long list of contacts and was able to raise more than $300,000 for the organization.

“I think it was the right thing to do,” Saul said of helping JVS. “We are fortunate that we can bring people together for an occasion like this and help raise money for a worthy organization.”

Helping JVS also meant a lot to Shelly.

“For me it hits home as a teacher of special education,” Shelley said. “Some of population they service are those individuals with disabilities, autistic or have cognitive challenges. This is the popluation I worked with for many, many years and it is gratifying to see the work they do.”

The couple was honored at the JVS Taste & Toast event on June 22.

To learn more about Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) of MetroWest New Jersey visit http://www.jvsnj.org/

(Photo provided: Saul and Shelley Leighton)

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