The Bobbe Karpay Women of Distinction Program, an annual event, honors women who represent over twenty Jewish organizations and congregations in the area.

The women being honored have worked diligently in creating a long list of accomplishments. They give of their time, their enthusiasm, and their dollars to help make our community and our world a better place. In addition to being dedicated Jewish leaders, these women are also wives, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, business owners, professionals, and even volunteers for other organizations. They have a vision for their organizations and kehillah (our community) and work hard to turn these visions into realities.

The annual Women of Distinction Program bears Bobbe’s name to honor and inspire women of the Jewish community to see the simple elements of the community and make life distinctively better. Bobbe Karpay (z”l), an artist by nature, saw seemingly simple elements and turned them into things of beauty. This artistic vision for making things better was evident in her love and commitment to her family and community. She led quietly, yet distinctively with her time, her talent, and her resources.

Bobbe was born in Chicago, grew up in New York, and made Tampa her home for 50 years. In that time she raised four children, supported her husband, George, in his business, and actively engaged in numerous community causes.