$1 Million Gift Advances Arts and Culture at the Rosen JCC; Event Center Renamed in Honor of the Pargh Family
ORLANDO, FL — The Jack & Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center (Rosen JCC) is proud to announce an extraordinary $1 million gift from local philanthropist, Andy Pargh, marking a
significant milestone in the organization’s investment in arts, culture and community
engagement in Southwest Orlando. In recognition of this gift, the Rosen Event Center will now be known as the Pargh Event Center.
Located between Dr. Phillips and Lake Buena Vista North, the Rosen JCC has long served as a welcoming hub for individuals and families of all backgrounds. The Center offers a wide range of programs designed to support the educational, developmental, and wellness needs of
children, teens, and adults alike. Its newly named Pargh Event Center is a premier venue for private celebrations, community events, and high-quality arts and cultural programming,
featuring theater-style seating for 600 and banquet accommodations for more than 350 guests.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the renaming of the Rosen Event Center to the Pargh Event Center,” said Andy Pargh. “This recognition is especially meaningful as it continues the legacy of giving instilled in me by my parents, who supported countless Jewish and humanitarian causes throughout their lives. With this gift, I’m proud to help transform the Pargh Event Center into a vibrant space for celebrations, cultural programming, and community engagement—serving as a true home for the arts in Southwest Orlando.”
Ofira Bondorowsky, chief executive officer of the Rosen JCC, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the impact this contribution will have on the organization and the broader community. “This gift supports our growing arts and culture initiative and brings us closer to our vision of establishing the Rosen JCC as a creative and cultural hub for Southwest Orlando,” Bondorowsky said. “We are deeply grateful for Mr. Pargh’s generosity and commitment to enriching the lives of our community members through meaningful programming and shared experiences.”
“I applaud Andy Pargh’s deep commitment to the community and his support of the Rosen JCC,” Frank Santos, president and chief executive officer of Rosen Hotels & Resorts said. “His generous contribution not only builds on the vision and legacy of Harris Rosen, it also celebrates the future. It exemplifies what’s possible when purpose and philanthropy unite to create meaningful, lasting impact for generations to come. We are proud to support the Rosen JCC’s inspiring work and its expanding role in advancing arts and culture throughout Southwest Orlando.”
With new resources in place, the Rosen JCC plans to expand its offerings in the performing and visual arts, introduce new community partnerships, and activate the Pargh Event Center with dynamic programming that reflects the rich diversity of the region.
“This moment represents more than a name change, it signifies a bold step forward for the Rosen JCC,” Bondorowsky added. “We are deeply grateful to Mr. Pargh for believing in our mission and entrusting us to be thoughtful stewards of his gift. The best is yet to come!”
Interested media can contact Renata Katz at renatak@rosenjcc.org.
About the Jack & Lee Rosen JCC:
The Rosen JCC, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is an inclusive place where families and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds come together to engage in activities that promote growth, education, and cultural enrichment. Named in honor of Jack & Lee Rosen, parents of the late Harris Rosen, the JCC stands as a testament to their love of family, community, education and the arts. The values and ideals they adhered to during their lifetimes continue to live on in the JCC that bears their name.
Located at 11184 S. Apopka Vineland Road, the Rosen JCC offers a dynamic range of programs and services for all ages, including an award-winning Early Childhood Learning Center, youth camps, after-school enrichment, fitness and wellness programs, cultural arts experiences and senior activities. The campus features state-of-the-art amenities such as a gymnasium, fitness center, dance studio, outdoor pavilion and a versatile event center, making it an ideal destination for community gatherings and celebrations. For more information, visit RosenJCC.org or contact info@rosenjcc.org.
About The Pargh Foundation:
The Pargh Foundation is committed to strengthening Jewish life in Central and South Florida, while also supporting impactful Jewish organizations in Nashville, Tennessee—where the Pargh family has its roots—and across the United States. Internationally, the Foundation champions humanitarian efforts such as United Hatzalah, which provides free emergency medical services in Israel. Through strategic investments—from demographic research and Shabbat enrichment to targeted program grants—the Foundation strives to create meaningful and lasting impact in the communities it serves. For more information, visit parghfoundation.org/.
About The Harris Rosen Foundation:
The Harris Rosen Foundation has improved the quality of life in underserved communities mainly by providing educational opportunities and other quality of life improvements. As this outreach grows to include newer communities and groups in need, The Harris Rosen Foundation pushes forth towards new ways to influence positive change. It will continue to help the communities it serves by bringing hope and opportunity to break the poverty cycle. It was Mr. Rosen’s dream that other companies and foundations adopt similar initiatives across the nation. The Harris Rosen Foundation is committed to lending a helping hand to disadvantaged communities and those in need as these blessings are continually shared across cities, states, and generations to come. For more information about The Harris Rosen Foundation, go to rosengivesback.com.
