ADL champion and long-time board member Gay Curtiss-Lusher shares the passion she and her husband, National Chair Barry Curtiss-Lusher, have for travel and adventure, volunteering, the University of Michigan and of course, the Anti-Defamation League.
How are you involved with ADL?
I have been serving on the Board of the Mountain States Region of the ADL for over 25 years. I have served on many committees, including the Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program, the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, and Project Pride. Some people know me through my husband, Barry Curtiss-Lusher, who is the current ADL National Chair.
What have you done in your professional life?
I have a Master’s in Counseling, and have worked at a Federal Penitentiary, at a radio station, as a caterer, as a tour guide for the Molly Brown House, and for years, at Eddie Bauer.
Where were you born? From where do your ancestors hail?
Although I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, my Colorado heritage spans over 100 years. My great grandfather was the second mayor of Boulder, my grandmother was a Boulder native and my mother was a Denver native who graduated from East High. I am equally proud that my family has four generations of University of Michigan graduates. Go Blue! We have practically paid for the U of M’s football program. Well, maybe not this year.
Do you have a favorite book or movie?
My favorite genre of books, of course, are western romances, although my favorite book ever is Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon (currently a Starz mini series for all of you romantics out there!). My favorite movie of all is “Funny Girl”, and ANYTHING by Mel Brooks.
What’s a special place you have visited?
Barry and I have traveled extensively together. In our hippie days, we backpacked around the world for over a year. Some of my favorite countries, strangely, begin with the letter, “I”: Ireland, Italy, Israel, and India. But my true heart belongs right here in Colorado. I love the gentle plains and the majestic Rockies. I often say that I was born 100 years too late. I would have made a tough and valiant pioneer, although I still would have hated my hair.
What are you passionate about personally?
My passion and happiness stems from my husband of 40 years, Barry, and my three children and their families. And, now, being a grandmother is a revelation and pure joy.
What do you do for fun?
I have jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped off a bridge, and paraglided. I have proudly survived three Outward Bound courses, but failed to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Although I hardly consider myself an athlete, I work out every day. Lately, I have been doing kickboxing combat, Insanity, and when I really want to feel old, I go to Orange Theory and feel humbled. I was a long distance swimmer for over 30 years, until I became over-chlorinated, just after we built a swimming pool.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
I am a worker bee and not a leader. My joys are more quotidian. I serve lunch to the seniors at the JCC every day. I have volunteered for 15 years at the Rose Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic. I opened the car doors for the kids in the morning at Graland every day for 10 years. I once thought of myself as a good cook, but to be honest, Barry is much better than I. I am his sous-chef now. And, I do the Sunday New York Times Crossword puzzle in ink (Secret: erasable ink!).
Complete this sentence: For me, the ADL is …
ADL is my home, my heart, and my congregation. It was our first step into Jewish communal life. We have made some of our closest friends here. Its mission today is as important as it has ever been. Our financial commitment has been a joy for us to express our deepest belief in the organization.
What a gift for me to stand by Barry’s side through this amazing adventure.