Message from our YMD Chair Sean Besser

I joined the Guardians about five years ago (thanks to the introduction from Ken Friedman and Shlomi Ronen) after attending (and winning) the YMD March Madness Poker Tournament. I was overwhelmed by the quality and ingenuousness of the people I met that day and was drawn to learn more. Nearly five years later, I am more impressed than ever with the people that make up this organization and while I am honored to serve as the Chair of the YMD, it is the remarkable team of YMD member-volunteers who are to going to make 2008 the most successful year in the group’s history.

I’m incredibly excited to be returning as Chair of the Young Men’s Division (YMD) of The Guardians for 2008. The 2008 Board and Council are comprised of an amazing collection of young Jewish leaders from a variety of backgrounds and professional fields (including real estate, finance, law, and entertainment). What we all have in common is a passion and drive to take the Guardians to new heights in membership, awareness, sense of community, camaraderie, and of course fundraising and this diversity is ideal because it will enable us to tap into various areas of the community in Los Angeles (and hopefully beyond) to further these goals.

We have are working on a tremendous calendar for 2008 that will help the group capitalize on our highly successful events over the past few years. Additionally, look for more social, spiritual, and professional networking events throughout the year that are going to be geared at enhancing the sense of community that drew me into the organization and continues to be a pillar of what makes the Guardians such a strong organization.

Sean Besser