Colangelo, Bookbinder to be honored by JNF at Bank One BallparkJerry Colangelo, president and chief executive officer of the Phoenix Suns, and Ron Bookbinder, president and chief executive officer of Bookbinder Realty and Investments, will be the 1998 recipients of the Jewish National Fund "Tree of Life" award at a dinner on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Bank One Ballpark.The awards event will mark the first time dinner will be served on the field at BOB. Kosher "baseball cuisine" will be served and attendees are encouraged to dress casually. JNF leadership will have full access to BOB's scoreboard and big screen for their presentation as well, according to Ted Kort, executive director of Jewish National Fund. The Tree of Life Award was established by JNF to honor individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for their fellow citizens and who have made noteworthy contributions to their community. Colangelo will be honored for his extensive record of community service. He sits on the board of directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Phoenix Community Alliance and Phoenix Suns Charities. He serves as vice president of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and is chairman of Southwest Leadership Foundation. He is past chairman of the United Way Campaign and former president of Valley Big Brothers. He and his wife, Joan, have four children: Kathy Holcombe, Kristen Brubaker, Mandie Okyere and Bryan Colangelo, as well as eight grandchildren. Bookbinder will be honored for his dedication to both the general and Jewish communities. He served as president of the Civic Improvement Corporation that built Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor International Airport. Bookbinder also has held numerous leadership positions within the Jewish community, including: president of the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center; and a member of the board of Kivel Care Center, Jewish Family and Children's Service and Beth El Congregation. He currently is vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and chairman of the Jewish Community Task Force. He and his wife, Lainy, have three daughters: Wendy Finn, Kari Bookbinder and Erica Bookbinder, and two granddaughters. The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards at 7 p.m. The cost is $180 per person, or $100 per person age 35 and younger. Call Ted Kort at 277-4800. 
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