Why Women’s Philanthropy?
Jody Caplan, Vice President, Community Engagement
In this issue of the Women’s Philanthropy e-newsletter we ask, “Why Women’s Philanthropy?” It’s a simple question that has generated a range of responses. We have spoken with new friends and seasoned veterans and hope you’ll enjoy hearing why they choose to become and stay involved with Women’s Philanthropy.
I thank my friend, Susan Gross, for bringing me to CHOICES in 2004 and for introducing me to Women’s Philanthropy. I had never seen so many Jewish women gathered in one place at one time! I wanted to know more about what could bring together such a diverse group of women at various ages and stages. And so, I began my journey to learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest and the work we are doing.
Over the years I have had the chance to visit partner agencies both here and in Israel and have had the privilege to meet the individuals who serve our community. They are capable, innovative, passionate, thoughtful, and dedicated to improving lives. And that’s why I make a gift to Women’s Philanthropy every year — because the needs are great and the work we are supporting makes a real difference to the people we touch.
While I certainly give my time to Women’s Philanthropy because I support the mission of the organization, it’s become so much more than that for me. In my roles as a Table Hostess, Women’s Awareness Day Committee member, Borinsky AM Chair, and Vice President of Young Women, I have found friends, mentors, and role models. I have had opportunities to learn and grow in ways I could not have anticipated. The hours I share with Women’s Philanthropy are satisfying, rewarding, and an awful lot of fun. I thank you, the women of Women’s Philanthropy, and the wonderful staff for keeping me engaged and for enriching my life. It is truly my pleasure.
What’s your story? Why do you support Women’s Philanthropy? We would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts and reactions to me at caplan973@comcast.net.
Women’s Philanthropy Spans Generations
by Beth Manes Lax
When I was asked to write an article showing the value of Women’s Philanthropy from a multi-generational perspective, I was not sure what to expect. I started mentally outlining the piece, allocating certain space to each generation. However, as I went through my notes and began to organize my thoughts about the women with whom I spoke, I noticed that it really doesn’t matter how old you are – women who give are motivated by the same things.
I’m relatively new to Federation, so I was curious about other women’s journeys. For some, their initial involvement was simply because their parents were involved. Lisa Gutkin, for example, shared memories of being schlepped to do volunteer work with her mother, helping however she could. Bryna Ringel Lax stated it very matter-of-factly: “I got involved because my parents were involved.” For other women, like Stacey Davis, it was a matter of seeking like-minded women with whom to socialize. For me, it was a decision to refocus my community service involvement. I belonged to several organizations, running the gamut from political to social. One day I realized that none of these organizations was Jewish and I suddenly felt disloyal. I mentioned this in a conversation with Mariela Markelis Dybner, who suggested I participate in the Arthur Borinsky Young Leadership Development Program, thus changing the trajectory of my charitable endeavors.
Borinsky taught me about the numerous agencies under the Federation umbrella. I was amazed by how many people are served, both locally and abroad. I was also surprised by the amount of funding needed to keep these agencies, and their projects, running. The most amazing thing, to me, was the portion of that funding that is raised by the women of Federation. Naturally, when I was asked to join the Women’s Philanthropy Board, I jumped at the chance. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to use my personal and professional skills to work toward the goal of tikkun olam, and I was curious how an arm of Federation, comprised strictly of women, could further that cause.
I have been involved in very few “women only” organizations. Until Women’s Philanthropy, they were all political or professional in nature. Those groups centered on empowering women. I had a feeling Women’s Philanthropy would be different and, as I interviewed several women for this article, I learned that my instincts were correct. In fact, I specifically asked Lisa Gutkin if she found working with Women’s Philanthropy empowering and she replied that she did not find it empowering for herself, but rather “powerful for the community as a whole.” Indeed it is. It is the strength in numbers that makes Women’s Philanthropy so effective.
However, Women’s Philanthropy also strengthens our members as individuals, thereby making our group even stronger. Mimi Heyman has been involved in Federation since 1983. She is the past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Division of what was then known as the Women’s Department. Mimi credits Women’s Philanthropy for helping her grow personally. She has seen this arm of Federation teach young women leadership skills and public speaking. More important, by traveling on missions, she has seen women develop a greater appreciation for what we have in this community.
It is that appreciation that fuels our commitment to give. We do it because it’s what we do. Bryna Ringel Lax recalls her late husband, Sam Ringel, declaring it a “tax on being Jewish,” appreciating that, if you had the resources, it was your obligation to give to Federation to ensure the survival of the agencies that support the Jewish community. Lisa Gutkin recounts growing up in a culture of giving and doing. She states that there were no “grand gestures or deep talks about philanthropy”; she simply was shown by example. She was raised by parents whom she characterizes as “dedicated to the understanding that if you don’t do it, who will?”
Of course, the purpose of Women’s Philanthropy is to raise money for Federation so that the agencies and programs can continue to thrive and expand. However, as with estate planning, it is not just about passing money on to the next generation, but passing on values as well. This was the sentiment among all of the women I interviewed. Stacey Davis said that Women’s Philanthropy was important to her because it enabled her to set an example for her family about the importance of Jewish philanthropy. And just as Lisa Gutkin remembers pushing the snack cart as a child, her children now hand out snacks to the volunteers on Super Sunday.
Bryna Ringel Lax noted that as the older generation is dying, Federation is losing some of its biggest givers. Yet, she has optimistically observed an influx of younger women getting involved. She said she is grateful that the next generation, despite not necessarily having as much to donate financially, is coming out in large numbers to continue the work of Federation and to support it in whatever way possible. She commented that many of these young women are more involved than their husbands and are responsible for ultimately getting their spouses involved. Mariela Markelis Dybner echoed that sentiment. She explained that many women, whether working or at home, play the role of family event coordinator. Therefore, we are the ones receiving and responding to e-mails calling for volunteers and attendance at events. She also noted that we are often the ones in the community who observe the needs first-hand and understand why we need to give.
Women’s Philanthropy is not all work and no play. Across the board, women are grateful for, and inspired by, the friendships they have made. Mimi Heyman describes the women of Women’s Philanthropy as a “wonderful group of like-minded women who get it.” How true. We do all just get it. Even though we come from a variety of Jewish backgrounds, on one subject we are all of the same mind: it is important for us to ensure the survival of the Jewish people around the world.
Why do we care about Women’s Philanthropy? In the words of some of our most dedicated members, we give because we are obligated, we give because we can, and we give because we must teach our children to give. Just as our grandparents dreamed of Federation and our parents strengthened it, we must teach our children the importance of maintaining it. L’dor vador.