Annual distributions from the fund are used to provide practical and spiritual support for people with HIV/AIDS and their family members, thereby celebrating the legacy of generosity which Robert Block z”l consistently demonstrated throughout his own lifetime. Richard Boyle established the Robert Block Memorial Endowment Fund in loving memory of his life partner, who served as JFCS’ Assistant Controller from 1988 until his death in 1998. Richard and Robert first met in 1970 and began a 28-year partnership filled with travel to far-flung locales. They enjoyed the company of friends and family and supported the arts and the political and… Read More

The Isaiah Buffett-Davis Memorial Fund, created and named in loving memory of Shelley Davis’ z”l stillborn grandson, provides assistance—both financial and practical—to at-risk pregnant women and their families. This support may include services such as counseling and help with household tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and shopping, and childcare. Shelley used the occasion of her birthday in 1999 to establish a Named Endowment Fund in memory of her beloved grandson, Isaiah Buffett-Davis, who had recently been stillborn. Noting that the Chinese character for “crisis” is also the character for “opportunity,” Shelley observed that the greatest sorrows of our lives can have… Read More

In 2002, Barbara and Barry Kay and their daughters, Julie and Jenna, established the Kay Family Marin Outreach Fund to increase awareness among Marin County residents of the wide range of services available to help with life’s challenges. As a JFCS Board member, Barbara served as co-chair of JFCS’ Marin Expansion Project. Her thoughtful leadership and commitment strengthened this effort and contributed significantly to its success. The experience demonstrated to Barbara the importance of making an ongoing, strategic investment in outreach and engagement. Through their endowed fund, the Kays are making that possible, year after year. The family dedicated the … Read More

May their memories be for a blessing. Established in 1997, the Joyce and Ernest Lampert Endowment Fund helps make it possible for older adults in need to receive the loving, expert home care services they require to remain living safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. By creating their Named Endowment Fund at JFCS, the Lamperts honored the memory of their parents in a perpetual and meaningful way. Freda and Max Steinberg, Joyce’s parents, immigrated to Toronto from Russia when both were quite young. Once grown and married, Max went into the ladies’ clothing business,… Read More

The Albert and Victoria Carsen and Etta Singer Memorial Fund provides direct and practical support for Bay Area seniors, helping to ensure that they are able to remain living safely and with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible. Susan Carsen, a longtime JFCS friend, established this fund in loving memory of her parents, Victoria and Albert Carsen, and her maternal grandmother, Etta Singer. Susan’s mother, Victoria, a native New Yorker, maintained season tickets to a variety of cultural events until her death. Her many friends ensured that Victoria was able to get to the shows, concerts,… Read More

The Dollinger Family Fund provides a perpetual source of support for individuals and families in need of critical assistance. The Dollinger Family Fund was established in the summer of 2004, in celebration of Marci and Marc Dollinger’s 10th wedding anniversary. Marci, who hails from Memphis, Tennessee, and San Francisco-born Marc, initially lived in Los Angeles. In 2002, they relocated to Marin, where they raised their two daughters—Rebecca, who at age 8 had just completed the second grade at Brandeis Hillel when this fund was created in 2004—and Shayna, then 4 and a preschooler at the Jewish Community Center. Marc is… Read More