Escaping the Horochów ghetto was just the beginning for twelve-year-old Musia Perlmutter. Alone, starving, freezing at times, and running and hiding for her life, Musia sought refuge in the forest for two years while Holocaust death camps loomed nearby. Child of the Forest is based on the true story and tribulations of Shulamit “Musia” Perlmutter, born in 1929 to Simcha and Fruma Perlmutter, and stands as a memorial to her extraordinary courage.
When Jack Grossman committed to this project in 2006, he didn’t realize it would take twelve years to bring it to fruition. The journey was dotted with events such as the economic meltdown, a near-death stroke, and several other traumatic life experiences. Jack is a believer in the saying that there is a reason for everything, and he believes that in the end, this book is the culmination of aligning the perfect people at the perfect time. Child of the Forest is based on the life story of a courageous young girl who bore witness to humanity’s darkest time. When Jack faces challenges now, he simply thinks of Charlene, and it puts life back into perspective.
This photo was taken just before Charlene left for America.Charlene Schiff, born, Shulamit Perlmutter, right, poses for a photograph before she leaves for America.
Jack will present EmpowerU with an engaging reading with interactive, thought-provoking discussion about the Holocaust. A lot of narrative will presented along with an powerpoint presentation that follows the readings. Jack will be signing paperback copies of the book before the event at 6:30 pm for a discounted price of $12, and hardback books for the discounted price of $18.00.
Speaker Bio:
Jack has written and designed award-winning advertising, having won numerous awards including 5 Addy Awards for regional and national clients. Jack has also won a 1st Place Award in the Tampa Bay Region Billboard Magazine Songwriting Contest, along with dozens of other advertising/design and songwriting awards. His housewares invention in the late 1980s was featured in Spiegel Catalog, Neiman-Marcus, Brookstone Company, and scores of other department stores and catalogs nationwide.
Jack has also been highly recognized for his community service work, having been presented numerous Humanitarian Awards, including The Award of Excellence; one of only three presented by a billion-dollar NYSE company in 1998. As a result, he was featured with his family in a :60 second TV commercial that aired during the final episode of Spin City, The Academy of Country Music Awards and the Dallas 500 NASCAR Race. He was recognized with a Power Board Award by Boys & Girls Club National for turning an almost defunct Florida Boys & Girls Club into a thriving organization that built and moved into a new 5,500 sq. ft. facility under his leadership, all within 15 months of Jack joining the Board. Jack is also a Founding Member and a Legacy Board Member of Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center, where he has raised over $4.5-million and once again led a campaign that built a new $2.2-million state-of-the-art facility during the economic downturn of 2008. The facility serves sexually abused children and is affectionately referred to as “The House that Jack Built”.
Jack suffered a brainstem stroke in 2010, which initially left him totally paralyzed on his left side. After intense physical therapy and a drive to continue to help others and produce the Child of the Forest book/film project, Jack is now 85% – 90% recovered and is back to work 100%. He has a beautiful wife, 4 daughters, and one grandson, and resides in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Kevin Gordon, 55 KRC Guest Host and Commentator will introduce Jack Grossman to the EmpowerU Audience. Kevin has gotten to know Jack through interviews with him about the book. If you have never met Kevin but hear him on the Brian Thomas show now is a great opportunity to come to EmpowerU and say hello.
