Jewish Federation tragedy is backdrop as event draws women together

Pamela Waechter may be gone. But yesterday her spirit hovered over the annual brunch hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.

Waechter, the federation's director of giving, died last July when a gunman burst into the organization's downtown office and began shooting. He killed Waechter and wounded five other women, a tragedy that plunged Seattle's Jewish community into mourning.

"Her loss is a constant sadness," said Carol Gown, chairwoman for the Community Campaign, the federation's annual fundraising effort.

Yesterday, though, was a time to come together, organizers said, noting the event drew a record 650 women.

Called "Sole Searching: Walking the Journey Together," the event featured a display of shoes worn by inspirational women, ranging from Gov. Christine Gregoire to feminist journalist Gloria Steinem.

It was also a time for laughter. Author Jennifer Weiner gave a keynote address that had the crowd laughing for nearly an hour. Weiner, whose books, including the bestselling novel "Good in Bed," feature Jewish female protagonists, shared some of the highlights of her life and career: her mother's coming out as a lesbian, her stint as a journalist (highlighted by her coverage of a tranquilized bear and a Pillsbury Bake-Off), and her lifelong quest to be her Nana's favorite grandchild.

Weiner said that before the event, she wondered how to approach an audience that had weathered a tragedy such as the shooting.

"Let's hope our laughing can serve as a symbol," she said. "We are here. We are still together."

Maureen O'Hagan: 206-464-2562 or mohagan@seattletimes.com