About two months ago, Pam Kelner, the executive director of Jewish Family Service came into my office and completely unexpectedly announced that the board of JFS had decided to honor me at their annual meeting with the Chaver award. An award that means friend. As I held back humble tears of delight, she asked me who I’d like to introduce me for this award. The first person who came to mind was my son. However, I had a feeling that he would not be able to get away from work to be present at the event because of the timing of some important obligations at his job in NYC. Gratefully, it turned out, Toni Jacobsen at JFS who happened to be the next person on my list to introduce me, along with Pam, easily managed to find a way through technology to have my son introduce me live on screen the evening of the event.
Little did I know or expect to hear what my loving son had to say about me. I, at once, realized not only did I raise a mensch, but if there was one person who truly ‘got me’ in this world it was him.
I leave you with his words:
“Hi everyone,
It’s a real honor to introduce this year’s Chaver Award recipient: my mom, Carrie Mills.
She’s a Parsons-trained fashion designer, a painter, a jewelry maker, a columnist, a mom, a stylist, a curator, and I could keep going, because really, what does she not DO. If you’ve ever read her monthly column, Kvetch in the City, which I highly recommend, you’ll know it’s basically what would happen if Fran Lebowitz and Larry David had a child… who also happened to be on JSwipe. It’s funny, biting, romantic, and deeply Jewish in the best way.
But beyond the headlines and hilarity, there’s another side to her, one that gives just as generously as it kvetches.
At JFS, my mom has spent years giving her time and talent, bringing Helping Hands to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She meets people where they are, with humor, heart, and the uncanny ability to accessorize empathy.
She’s Brooklyn-born: bold, warm, and honest. But always with love and intention. Always with Carrie-ness, the kind that’s more Sex and the City than Shtetl and the Suburbs.
This award celebrates friendship, and Carrie doesn’t just have friends, she builds community. Through music, art, style, storytelling, and showing up for people in a way that’s rare and real.
So please join me in celebrating this year’s Chaver Award honoree: my mom, Carrie Mills, an artist, icon, and living proof that kvetching can be a mitzvah.”
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