- Legacy Giving Stories
Marion Weinreb is the child of Holocaust survivors and a firm believer in giving back to help others. Over the years, Marion has generously shared her expertise as a member of the JFCS Board of Directors, committees, and taskforces, helping to shape and extend new services to address community needs.
Marion’s dedication to building a strong community is reflected in the “living legacies” she has created through JFCS Named Endowment Funds.
In 1996, Marion established the Joseph Teichman Memorial Fund to memorialize her uncle, a Polish refugee who constantly helped others. Marion remembers him as a “mensch” who was always kind and considerate and set a positive example through his everyday actions, such as volunteering as a crossing guard at the local school.
Annual distributions from the Joseph Teichman Memorial Fund ensure that children, families, and seniors who turn to JFCS in times of personal crisis receive the direct and practical emergency assistance necessary to overcome adversity and reestablish self-sufficiency.
In 1998, Max and Jacob’s Toy and Food Fund was established by Marion’s then-four-year-old son, Max (with help from his mom). A kind and compassionate youngster, Max included this note with his gift: “Here is $$ to help children. Love, Max.” After Jacob joined the family, his name was added.
Marion wanted to instill in both children the importance of tzedakah and tikkun olam. The boys knew beyond a doubt that food and toys—most especially toys—are essential to one’s well-being, so they chose to devote their fund to offering young people new to the community and American culture this special kind of joyful experience.
While Max has since died, his caring vision continues to bring comfort, happiness, and a sense of being welcomed to young children newly arrived in the Bay Area, year after year.
In 2002, Marion established The LGBT Fund to permanently strengthen JFCS’ inclusive, welcoming, and specialized services for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. As chair of the LGBT Leadership Taskforce, Marion was integral to the development of JFCS’ LGBTQ+ services.
Marion dedicated the fund in loving memory of Stephen G. Perger and Donald Yaquinto.
Shared from the Heart
I like the idea of perpetual funds. You can add to them and they will continue to grow as living legacies.—Marion Weinreb
If you would like to establish a Named Endowment Fund at JFCS, please contact [email protected] or 415-449-3858.