David Harris
August Legacy News: Mensch Award to Alan Brown; Why I Volunteer: Adam Symson; Howard and Marlene Mayers video; Jim’s tip; more
Alan Brown is a Mensch: True—And It Even Comes with Award
To be called a mensch is the highest praise, and Alan Brown of Cincinnati was recently praised in this way. In front of an audience of over 200 gathered for their Sustainers Event, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati recently honored him with the Mesel Wieder Mensch Award.
Bob Brant, the award presenter, defined mensch as one “who quietly leads and gets things done.” Asked how he himself defines it, Brown said, “I think of a kindly and caring person who is trying to do good for the world, one small step at a time. Someone who is generous with their time and energy.”
The award was established by Stanley Chesley and Richard Shen, who said they wanted it to honor those in Cincinnati’s Jewish community like their friend Mesel Wieder, who exemplified the meaning of the word mensch. Wieder survived the Holocaust in Ukraine. He was extremely involved in Adath Israel and showed his dedication to education through volunteering for Rockwern Academy’s L’dor V’dor program. Wieder frequently attended Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education programs, and was known to burst into a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.” In 2010, Mesel Wieder passed away at the age of 96.
Asked how he felt upon hearing he’d won, Brown said, “Elated and humbled.” More >
Why I Volunteer: Strong Community
We asked people to tell us why they volunteer in the Jewish community, in one sentence. This is what they said.
Here, watch Adam Symson’s response:
“I volunteer because I want our community to be as strong as it can be.” —Adam Symson
Adam Symson is 2017 Community Campaign Chair for the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
Meet Howard and Marlene Mayers and watch their video
“You think of the things you would like to see continue. The most important thing to me is my family, and being a Jew.”
—Howard Mayers
Howard met Marlene at the University of Cincinnati. They raised three children here and built a home grounded in Judaism. Howard learned electrical contracting from his father and continues the family business, Mayers Electric. From their parents, they inherited the importance of charitable giving and community volunteerism. They hope their legacy will provide for the community’s continued growth.
Jim’s August Tip: What Kind of Philanthropist Do You Want to Be?
Whether you plan to or not, you are likely to be a philanthropist some day. The key question is: “Are you are going to have a say in who receives your philanthropy?”
The fact is you do have a very real choice whether you want to be a voluntary philanthropist or an involuntary philanthropist.
Involuntary philanthropy is what happens when the federal, state and local governments decide what to do with the money that your estate or retirement account, like an IRA, pays in taxes. If you make provisions now to direct who you want to be the recipients of your estate and or your qualified retirement assets, in addition to your heirs, you can actually eliminate involuntary philanthropy all together. Moreover, you can make sure that your charitable gifts are consistent with your priorities.
Most people find far greater pleasure in being voluntary philanthropists than involuntary philanthropists. More >
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