Philanthropy is the core of what we do. Without philanthropic individuals who contribute to the JCC, we could not exist. Scholarship for families who cannot afford the cost of camp or school, subsidies for seniors living on a fixed income, low costs for teen memberships to encourage participation at the JCC...all this can only occur through the generosity of others.
Nat Glanz, who sat on our Board of Directors for nearly a decade, was one of those “others.” He and his wife Muriel set up the “Glanz Challenge,” which funded the JCC’s special needs programs and Sunrise Day Camp. The premise of the challenge was simple: for every $2 raised, Nat and Muriel would put in a dollar of their own money, up to $10,000. Nat wanted to inspire others to give, and each year the Glanz Challenge succeeded in doing just that, bringing in $30,000 each year between their gift and the gifts of others.
We lost Nat in 2010, and when I say it was a loss, I mean it in every sense of the word. Nat’s passing left a hole in our hearts and in our agency; his generosity was only overshadowed by his sunny, gregarious personality. Nat made a room shine when he walked in, and the loss of his presence is still felt in our halls today. But what we didn’t know at the time was that we would lose Muriel soon after in 2011. Muriel, a deeply kind and generous person in her own right, used to accompany Nat to Board Meetings, and the folks around the table loved her so much that they made her an honorary board member – a position rarely bestowed upon anyone. Her loss, coming so soon after Nat’s, left us stunned. Two of our most loving, generous board members would no longer be with us, and the void left by their passing will always remain.
But the Glanzs’ believed in the future, and their wish was that the JCC – which they both loved so dearly -- continue to be a strong, vibrant Center long past their time with us. And so, just last week, we received a check from their estate for one million dollars. This was a legacy gift that Nat and Muriel had begun making provisions for years ago, their goal being that it help the JCC to grow for generations to come.
Part on the funds they left us will be used towards the construction of an addition to the JCC building, while the balance will be used to develop new programs over the years as well as increasing our services to special populations – all areas that mattered to them and which will help to secure our long-term viability. And because they loved our staff so much, a portion of their gift will be used to create some staff awards, to recognize and encourage the most innovative among us.
The Talmud says, “Just as my ancestors planted for me, I shall plant for my children.” Nat and Muriel, by looking to the future with generosity and forethought, have planted for generations to come. May their memories be a blessing, and may we all follow their example and remember those who will inherit the earth long after we are gone.
Best always,
Arnie
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