Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Recognizes Baer’s

Baer’s Furniture Co. Inc., a cornerstone of South Florida's home furnishing industry, was celebrated last week for its steadfast commitment to philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Business & Professional (B&P) Industry Icon event. The annual event, held at the Jewish Federation’s Zinman Hall on May 9, recognizes industry leaders for their outstanding personal, professional and philanthropic achievements.

Over 100 community leaders, supporters and friends gathered to welcome Cathy Baer, Executive Vice President and Ira Baer, Chief Financial Officer. The event highlighted the family-owned business and its eight-decade-long commitment to community enrichment.

"Celebrating our family's legacy and philanthropic endeavors at the B&P Industry Icon event is a profound honor,” said Cathy Baer. “As we stand in our fourth generation of business leadership, we remain deeply committed to nurturing spaces where families can come together and forge memories that will endure for generations to come. This recognition only fuels our dedication to serving and uplifting our community."

The evening reflected on the Baer family's rich heritage and their contributions to causes that are close to their hearts. Such causes include cancer research, education, medical research, health and welfare and food insecurity. The Baer family's impact in the Federation is profound, spanning generations with an overwhelming commitment to the Federation's work. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County would not exist without Jimmy Baer and his wife Margie, who were visionaries that saw the need for South Palm Beach to be an independent Jewish Federation separate from the one in Palm Beach.

“It is companies like Baer’s Furniture that sustain our community,” said Geil Bilu, B&P Icon Event Co-Chair. “Their consistent support and community involvement are essential for fostering local initiatives and improving the lives of our fellow residents."

B&P Division sponsors included Berger Singerman, Haven Home Health and Hotwire Communications- Fision. B&P Industry Icon Event sponsors included Baer’s Furniture Company Inc.; BDO; Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith – Attorneys at Law; and Marsh & McLenna. The event’s exclusive magazine sponsor was The Boca Raton Observer and its in-kind sponsor was Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits.

The event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Overall B&P Division Chairs Geil Bilu and Sandy Gerstein, and Industry Icon Event Co-Chair Shari Cohen.

For more information about the Business & Professional (B&P) Division, email Marc Fishman at [email protected] or visit https://jewishboca.org/departments/annual/bp/.

About Baer’s Furniture Co. Inc.: Baer’s Furniture, a fourth-generation family-owned business, has graced beautiful homes for almost 80 years, and South Florida for well over 50. Founded in 1945 by Melvin and Lucile Baer, their vision extended beyond mere commerce. Baer’s Furniture became synonymous with trusted brands, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

About the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County: Established in 1979, the JFSPBC is made up of Jewish and social service organizations, synagogues and schools that provide valued services and programs to recipients in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and around the world. The JFSPBC is also comprised of local residents, including lay leadership, volunteer, donors, professional staff, rabbis, educators, event participants and students. Situated on a 100-acre campus in west Boca Raton – the largest in the nation – the JFSPBC supports more than 70 beneficiaries, engages with more than 5,000 donors, and connects more than 130,000 residents. To learn more about how we contribute to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit https://jfspbc.org or call 561.852.3100.