Local Philanthropist to be Honored at Cantor’s Annual Convention in Chicago

Chicago, IL: On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:30 pm at Temple Sholom, The American Conference of Cantors (ACC) will honor Sylvia Footlik and her late husband Irving M. Footlik for their generous support of the ACC at their annual convention.

The ACC will also announce the creation of a Fund in Irving’s honor:

Irving M. Footlik Sustaining Education and Professional Development Fund

The goal of this fund is to create a system and culture of sustaining education that will provide cantors the opportunity to acquire and maintain a “gold standard” skill set. Education will be offered on a variety of subjects, and through multiple delivery systems.

“Sylvia Footlik and her late husband, Irving M. Footlik, exemplify the highest standard of dedication to the cantorate and to Jewish music.  Great lovers of the cantorial art, Irv and Sylvia always understood the immense impact of devoted, highly capable and well educated cantors on the spiritual lives of congregations and communities.  Moreover, the Footliks’ organizational acumen and philanthropic generosity helped chart a secure course for the ACC during a critical stage in its development.  Sylvia’s establishment of this fund in Irving’s memory will give an enduring voice to the love they shared, and it will provide renewal and inspiration for generations of cantors to come,” reflected Cantor Richard Cohn, immediate past-president of the ACC and former cantor of North Shore Congregation Israel.

The recognition ceremony will take place as a part of the ACC/GTM Annual Convention Concert:

Ruach: Music of Chicago's Jewish Soul

The concert will include performances by members of the ACC, GTM and Soul Children of Chicago, featuring the music of Chicago's finest Jewish composers - Max Janowski, Robert Appelbaum, Gerald Rizzer, Hans Wurman, Todros Greenberg, Rob Weinberg, Erwin Jospe, and more! 

For ticket purchases, please visit www.brownpapertickets.com and search for ACC.