Just as Lonny Darwin z”l shaped the Bay Area Jewish community, many people, places, and passions shaped Lonny. Our entire community has benefited from her work—whether it be youth who can learn about the Holocaust or the elderly who can enjoy a cultural performance. Lonny was a community leader, a true philanthropist, and a dear friend. Living for more than 100 years gave her ample opportunity to learn important life lessons from people, passions, travels, and experiences. Lonny was who she was because of these multiple influences, and none more so than her family that came before her. Indeed, one… Read More

“David and I direct tax-free distributions from our IRAs to the Gita and Henry Baigelman Holocaust Education Fund we established at JFCS.  By doing so we perpetually honor the memory of my parents, Holocaust survivors, while teaching today’s students about the necessity of standing up against discrimination and intolerance.”—Riva Berelson… Read More

May his memory be for a blessing. A former administrator with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services, at which he oversaw western states’ implementation of the National School Lunch Program and other programs to help families and children, Jim took an early interest in JFCS’ Food Programs to help clients at risk of hunger. This led to his creation of a JFCS Named Endowment Fund, the Let Them Eat Bread Fund. “My main charitable activities have involved feeding people,” Jim said. Over time, Jim’s philanthropic interests and involvement with JFCS broadened. He redid his will and… Read More

A Philanthropic Legacy—Past, Present, and Planned “We are interested in providing this legacy because of the great work JFCS does in providing for the wide range of needs within our community—youth, parents, adults, and seniors.” With these words Board member Alex Ingersoll and his husband, Martin Tannenbaum, a strategic planning, business, and training consultant to the agency, notified Jewish Family and Children’s Services that we are one of three major beneficiaries of their estate plan. Their significant commitment has been shaped by each man’s lifelong exposure to, and belief in, the importance of philanthropy. Carrying Forward Family Values Alex, who… Read More

William “Bill” and Renée Rothmann along with Bill’s siblings, John Rothmann and Susan Rothmann Seeley, were honorees at the 2nd Annual Fammy Awards Gala in 1986, the year the event officially became a tradition. “We were huge Gala goers,” said Bill, reflecting in 2018 on the JFCS fundraiser. “The Fammy’s were my wife’s favorite. I don’t know that we ever missed one.” Bill has always recognized the importance of family, and when it was suggested that he be honored for his leadership he said yes, as long as his family was included, too. Bill’s family plays a central part in… Read More

The dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Nancy Livingston z”l and Fred Levin, together honored a family legacy to support the Jewish community. Well-loved patrons of the Bay Area’s arts scene and married nearly four decades, they were the type of couple who regularly completed each other’s sentences. They were steadfast and passionate supporters of JFCS for over fifteen years, having served on JFCS’ Special Events Committee and worked on the Annual Campaign. Nancy, who died in 2019, once said, “The scope of JFCS’ work is truly amazing.” It is our privilege to share this 2018 interview with Nancy and Fred. How did… Read More