SPCC To Honor Philanthropist Dr. Diane Lebedeff At Annual Gala

Dr. Diane Lebedeff was brought up to give back to her community, always taught that “you give 100% or you don’t give at all.”

Over the last quarter-century, she has given her best to the Severna Park Community Center (SPCC), whether that be time, treasure or talent in various seasons.

Lebedeff, who has worked as a podiatrist for 35 years – 30 of them locally, was also brought up to do good things quietly, without boasting. So, being selected as this year’s SPCC gala honoree left her feeling both excited and humbled.

SPCC Executive Director Sarah Elder explained that in selecting gala honorees, the center looks for people who are not only active with the SPCC but also active in the community in other ways. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Lebedeff has been involved with the center and its mission since she moved to the Severna Park area in 1999, and she has also volunteered with the Maryland Ballet, the Kennedy Center’s Ballet Troupe, Girl Scouts and the Live Arts Studio at Annapolis Mall.

“Out of the kindness of her heart, she just truly believes in giving back to the community,” Elder said of Lebedeff, noting that she is a “can-do, gets-it-done kind of lady.”

Elder cited an example of when the SPCC needed a new boiler, and Lebedeff raised $60,000 “overnight” to replace it.

Lebedeff has spearheaded fundraising initiatives, served on the SPCC’s board of directors for more than 20 years, led many improvement projects around the facility and grounds, and more – all done quietly, out of a simple passion for helping others.

“If they need somebody, they can count on me, and they know it,” she said of the SPCC.

Lebedeff and her husband, Steve Gersh, who is also a podiatrist, are parents to two grown children. They have all supported the SPCC as a family over the years, and Lebedeff is proud of her kids’ own commitment to giving back.

“(A) proud-parent moment is they see how Steve and I have modeled ourselves – and we don’t tell them what to do – but it was really cool to see that they give back,” she said, citing examples of them serving in leadership roles in college and supporting charity events. “As a mom and dad, that makes you smile.”

The theme of this year’s SPCC gala is “Gin & Jazz,” a celebration of the 1920s that will recall the flappers and gangsters of the Prohibition Era. The event will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 6:00pm at Chartwell Golf & Country Club in Severna Park. Attendees can enjoy a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner, live music and dancing. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.spcommunitycenter.org/events.