The outstanding philanthropic environment and culture of Cleveland, particularly within the Jewish community, has been a major influence on our philanthropic development.  Mort took his first volunteer assignment at age 24.  We count an awesome group of men and women, Jewish and non-Jewish, professional and volunteer, mostly Clevelanders – as powerful mentors and role models.  Combine this with growing up in homes where helping others was part of our daily way of life, and the outcome was inevitable.

As a result of such experiences, our family has developed a deep commitment to both the Jewish community here and throughout the world, and to the larger society in which we live.  Our communal involvement and philanthropic activities have added important meaning to our lives, and we are very pleased that our children are following in this family tradition.