Eileen Austin’s Lion of Judah pin, which she wears occasionally, has been recognized at a counter at Saks Fifth Avenue and in an elevator in Memphis, Tennessee, she said at yesterday’s annual gathering of women who wear the pin, obtained by making a donation to the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York.

The pin is a mark of honor for more than 14,000 women across the country who give from $6,000 to $250,000 annually to support social services here and abroad. The more money a woman contributes, the fancier her pin. There are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethyst adornments. Those who contribute $250,000 wear a white gold pin with diamond pavé.

The Lion of Judah Luncheon is the premiere occasion to show off one’s pin, and yesterday women did so in a variety of ways: as a pendant on a chain, on lapels, on belts, scarves, and handbags.

Muriel Goldberg said she wears hers all the time. Connie Eisler last wore hers during the High Holidays. Klara Silverstein is a proud “Lion,” but doesn’t wear her pin because she’s allergic to gold. (Can’t the UJA jewelry department accommodate her?)

“This is my first time wearing it,” an attorney, Darlene Kleiner, said. “I’m a new Lion. It’s very nice. I feel very committed to Jewish causes.”

The gathering honored a volunteer fund-raiser and United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York leader for more than 25 years, Susan Stern of Scarsdale, N.Y. Mrs. Stern was chairwoman of UJA-Federation from 2004 to 2007.

Before the luncheon at 583 Park began, she addressed the women 45 and under who had gathered in a room of their own.

“Thank you, young Lions, I’ve watched you grow up, some of you quite literally,” Mrs. Stern said.

The mother of two sons was clearly enjoying speaking to her surrogate daughters. And she was thrilled to announce that she’ll soon have a daughter-in-law. Her son Michael is marrying Janna Fishman on December 8 in Coral Gables, Fla.

Mrs. Stern’s husband, Jeffrey, set up a tripod and video camera during the formal remarks to record the event for Mrs. Stern’s mother, Carroll Kahn, who lives in Longboat Key, Fla.

“It’s totally endearing,” Mr. Stern said of his wife’s pin. “There’s nothing more gratifying than to be able to share someone’s passion and see her be recognized by a community of peers that she loves so much.”

Another fan of Mrs. Stern’s delivered a greeting via videotape. “I’ll never forget the wonderful Shabbat dinner we shared together,” President Clinton said. “We should all be thankful to have Susie on our side.”

Not only is Mrs. Stern on President Clinton’s side, she is also a special adviser to Senator Clinton on her 2008 American presidential campaign.

“It’s been a privilege to do this sacred work,” Mrs. Stern said in her formal address to the 400 guests as they nibbled on their meal of salmon, asparagus, and chocolate mousse and berries.