Having a J Ball With the Solls
Michael and Stacey Soll of Winter Park are honored for their dedication to Central Florida’s Jewish community
Recently, Shalom Orlando’s J Ball celebrated the spirit of summer camp, community, and connection. This year’s deserving honorees were Michael and Stacey Soll, who were recognized for their years of community leadership.
Fittingly, the Solls’ story together began decades ago at a summer camp for Jewish youth. Stacey and Michael met as campers at Camp Barney Medintz in Atlanta, Georgia – which would shape not only their relationship but also their shared values around community and Jewish identity.
Married for 30 years, the Solls are longtime residents of Winter Park and the parents of three children: Aaron, David, and Jules, all in their 20s.
Michael is president of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, a nonprofit that raises funds to support research into gambling disorders. Stacey is a retired physical therapist who works for The Kitchen House, a nonprofit that connects adults and kids to sustainable, whole foods through immersive, hands-on gardening and cooking experiences.
From the Classroom to the Boardroom
Over the years, the Solls’ involvement in Orlando’s Jewish community has grown steadily. For Stacey, that journey began in the schools their kids attended, where she served on the board of directors for the Jewish Academy of Orlando (now Gotlib Jewish Academy).
“Seeing our children’s involvement and love of Jewish customs and holidays at the JCC preschool and then the Jewish Academy pushed us to become more involved,” she says.
The couple’s commitment has taken many forms, from hosting Israeli teens through the ShinShinim program to championing Jewish summer camps – an experience they believe is foundational for kids.
“Camps help build strong Jewish identity and pride,” says Stacey, “and they give kids a sense of belonging in a community.”
Stacey is also a local leader for the nonprofit Momentum, a global Jewish organization for women. In that role, she has helped bring nearly 200 Orlando women to Israel – an experience that offers opportunities for connection and a renewed commitment to Judaism.
Michael’s path to leadership developed in a different way, shaped in large part by challenge.
“My involvement began in Jewish organizations, seeing them grappling over how to address the financial crisis of 2008 as a Jewish community,” he says.
After joining the board of the Hebrew Day School (now Gotlib Jewish Academy), Michael served as a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando’s board for 10 years. For three of those years, he was chair or co-chair.
“My community involvement culminated with joining Dick Appelbaum and an amazing board to launch Shalom Orlando and the Orlando Leadership Council,” says Michael. “My passions have been young adult development, strategic initiatives, and community building between all the different people that make up our vast and underrated community.”
Fostering Connections
Together, the Solls have supported and helped shape a number of Shalom Orlando initiatives, from major events such as J Ball and the Choices Women’s Gala to inclusive programming such as Pride Shabbat. Their efforts are about ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued.
“Respect and dignity among all members is essential for the community’s success,” says Michael.
Carol Feuerman, Shalom Orlando’s director of development, says the Solls have exhibited unwavering dedication to the local Jewish community.
“Michael and Stacey Soll have had a profound and lasting impact on the Shalom Orlando community through their leadership, vision, philanthropy, and deep commitment to Jewish life,” says Carol. “Together, they embody the values of community, continuity, and giving back, and their influence can be felt across generations.”
Looking ahead, both Stacey and Michael see opportunities for continued growth, particularly in engaging young adults who can sometimes feel disconnected to their Judaism because of geography and life transitions. The Solls’ outlook remains a hopeful one, grounded in the same values that have guided them since their own days as campers.
“We are so grateful that we have been given so many opportunities to explore our involvement within the Jewish community,” says Michael. “This community will always be special to us because our children were raised here.”