Annual Fundraising Event 2026 Honoree:
Lea Luger
Lea Luger
This year, we are proud to honor Lea Luger for almost three decades of extraordinary leadership and service to Yad Ezra.
Joining the organization in 1993 as Resource Development Coordinator and later rising to Executive Director, Lea led Yad Ezra through a period of remarkable growth, innovation, and community impact.
Over 28 years of leadership, she transformed the organization through the development of innovative and compassionate programs including the Lunch Assistance Program, the toiletries initiative, Giving Gardens, and expanded client support services designed to preserve dignity and respect for every family served. Under her leadership, Yad Ezra significantly expanded its outreach, strengthened community and agency partnerships, and grew fundraising efforts to meet the increasing needs of the community.
Lea played a critical role in securing major grants, guiding strategic organizational growth, and broadening Yad Ezra’s reputation as a leader in hunger relief. Her vision also extended internationally through her involvement in helping establish a kosher food pantry in Poland, bringing Yad Ezra’s values of compassion and service beyond our local community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lea’s steady leadership ensured that Yad Ezra never missed a single day of service. In a matter of days, operations shifted from a client-choice pantry pickup model to a full home-delivery system, providing food and essential supplies to hundreds of families each week during an unprecedented crisis. Following the pandemic, she helped coordinate community vaccine clinics in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Wayne State University, continuing Yad Ezra’s commitment to community health and wellbeing.
Deeply committed to collaboration and education, Lea generously shared her expertise with other organizations and contributed to broader conversations on food insecurity, nonprofit leadership, and hunger relief efforts nationwide.
Since retiring in 2021, Lea continues to be a valued and trusted voice within our community. Her compassion, vision, and unwavering dedication remain central to Yad Ezra’s mission and impact today.
