Lee Siegel Chairmans Award for Outstanding Volunteerism

I can hardly remember when I started being active with the Foundation! I’d say it’s been about 20 years! I remember because I became involved prior to it branching into its own organization. I had already been involved in the community, Yashiva (now currently the Silver Academy), and my synagogue. I can’t remember how it came about but I was actually approached to become a part of the investment committee based on my day job. (I had a bit of expertise in the area!) They figured I’d be a good fit! I never thought about joining the Foundation because I never saw myself as a good fit but I wanted to make a difference in my community - I joined. You have to actually get involved to see its mission! Although money is important, it’s the time and work that you donate that is key. From my parents, I learned that volunteering is a great message. I passed that message along to my children! I was active as a kid and watched my parents be activist for multiple organizations in our community. They were role models. I became more involved when I got to college! Now, my son serves as the treasurer for our synagogue and my daughter moved to Israel some time ago and volunteered to serve in their Air Force. I don’t want to be remembered! I want to be here FOREVER! But seriously, I just want to be remembered as someone who loved and cared for his family and community! Someone with a good sense of humor and not for what I am doing as part of the Foundation. First, I would like to thank my wife, Eva, and my children, Michael and Tracey. Anything I’ve accomplished with any organization, took away time from them. When I sacrificed, so did they. So “Thank you”! For those honoring me, I am truly humbled by this! Anything I’ve done was never to receive any honors or recognition! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve this community. I’ve enjoyed working with all the people and hope to have the opportunity to continue doing so! There have been many role models and I hope to meet the standards they have set for me!