It gives us great pleasure to nominate Perry and Beth Stein for the AEU’s Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award. Five years ago, they had a dream. Attending various folk and indie-music performances, they saw an opportunity to blend live music with social action. Bringing an entrepreneurial spirit and energy to the Board of Trustees, their idea was to create a live music venue at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County.
The proceeds from each show would be split between our Society and a worthy social action project, charity, or progressive cause that reflects our humanist values. The Board approved and a marvelous project, “Ethical Brew,” was born.
“Ethical Brew” is run entirely with volunteers, primarily Perry and Beth. Through their tireless efforts, they have raised awareness, as well as money, for many causes. Some recent groups include the Northern NJ Sanctuary Coalition, WhyHunger, Edeyo Foundation (Haiti), Waves for Water (Puerto Rico) and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Many of their performances fill the room to capacity with people new to Ethical Culture. This is an opportunity for them to see our deeds in action and come away with a positive feeling for Ethical Culture. Perry and Beth have created an Ethical Brew Facebook page and Meetup account that also link to, explain and promote the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County. They have been active members of our community for over 15 years. Their efforts are worthy of this volunteer award, which will be presented at the AEU Assembly in June.
Susan Lesh, President
