Linda Spindel
Saturday, August 16, 6 pm
‘Seas the Day,’ Arthritis Ball 2014 will honor Linda Spindel at its gala event, which includes cocktails, a program, live and silent auctions, a seated dinner and dancing.
“My beloved Grandfather, Jack Leterman, taught us by example the importance of sharing with those less fortunate,” says Spindel. “My husband Ron and I feel that becoming involved in charitable organizations is our way of “giving back” for the blessings we have received.”
Area organizations that have benefitted from that feeling include Ohef Sholom Temple and Jewish Family Service, each where Spindel served as president; United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, where she is chair of the Israel & Overseas Committee; and the Simon Family Jewish Community Center where she is a member of the board. The list doesn’t end there, Spindel serves on the boards of Seaton Family Shelters and Portsmouth Museums Foundation.
Her volunteer activities also include the Arthritis Foundation.
“About nine years ago, my niece, Stephanie, returning from her honeymoon, was suddenly unable to walk. After many doctors’ visits, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She has been on so many medications, been through so many procedures, and has suffered more than anyone I’ve known. It has been so difficult to watch the progression of this horrible disease,” says Spindel.
If that wasn’t close enough, a frantic phone call from her son Kevin about three years ago brought the disease even nearer to home. “After he regained his composure, he told me he had just had an appointment with his doctor and he too, has Rheumatoid Arthritis,” she says.
Spindel says that the Arthritis Foundation offers her an opportunity to help impact “the lives of people in my family.”
Since the publicity about the upcoming event, Spindel says that she has been “touched by the number of people who have made contributions and care so much about my family and others suffering with this terrible disease.”
With this event, Spindel says she’s hoping to “raise awareness and money for research to find a cure or at least relief for those suffering with the horrendous and progressive disease. Young people should not suffer. The families of these young people should not have to watch helplessly. Please help me make a difference.”
The event takes place at Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call 757-340-5600, extension 312 or email SLSmith@spindelagency. com or call (757) 456-1119.