Jewish Community Partners

It was a night of forward-looking celebration as the Jewish Foundation of Memphis marked three decades of unparalleled philanthropic leadership with a glittering 30th Anniversary event, “L’Chaim to Legacy,” held on December 10th at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. The evening was a powerful tribute to the visionary donors, professional partners, and community leaders whose dedication have ensured the vitality and sustainability of Jewish life in Memphis.

With the leadership of event co-chairs Andrea and Ted Cohen, Margo and Mark Fogelman, Tova and Roy Graber, and Monique and Charles Jalenak, the evening left guests with exactly what the hosts hoped for: a shared pride in the powerful impact of the Foundation.

30th Anniversary co-chairs Jason Salomon and Lawson Arney set an enthusiastic tone for the night. “This incredible gathering is a testament to the passion, vision, and generosity that have been the hallmarks of this Foundation for three decades,” said Lawson Arney, reflecting on the community’s collective commitment.

The heart of the evening was a deep reflection on the Foundation’s monumental impact. Foundation Chair Pace Cooper addressed the attendees, describing the organization’s origin three decades prior: “What began as a casual conversation in 1995 launched a philanthropic movement for our city.”

Cooper emphasized that the Foundation’s strength lies in its ability to serve as an “indispensable partner in giving,” providing stability through its foundational pillars: innovative community thinkers, agency partners, Donor Advised Fund holders, and Professional Advisors. He highlighted the staggering growth and collective generosity of the Memphis Jewish community, noting that the number of funds has grown to 550 and current assets under management top $215 million.

However, Cooper said, “The most exciting number—the one that speaks directly to our impact—is the $202 million in grants that we have collectively awarded to over 3,400 organizations over these 30 years.” He proudly cited the Foundation’s recognition by the Memphis Business Journal as the fourth largest grantmaking organization in the city.

The Foundation also honored a champion of philanthropy, presenting the Raymond Shainberg Professional Advisor Award to longtime legal counsel and valued advisor, Michael Kaplan.

CEO and President Laura Linder turned the focus from the past toward the future, inviting the audience to imagine their family giving trajectory using a Thanksgiving gathering as the center point. “Imagine starting a family tradition that engages every generation of your family in giving,” she said.

Linder stressed the necessity of creative and flexible philanthropy to achieve this future, positioning the Foundation as the community’s “tailor-made philanthropy partner.” She noted that structured giving has been normalized for everyone, from children participating in the B’nai Tzedek program to individuals making complex estate plans. In a moving conclusion, Linder spoke of the relationship with donors, and thanked the staff for their dedication to the organization and the community.

Beyond the formal remarks, attendees participated in hands-on activities to cement their legacy. Many stepped forward to sign the Book of Life, a permanent project for those who create a Jewish legacy through a planned gift to an endowment fund. By inscribing their personal and family messages, members of the Legacy Society honor the past while ensuring the Jewish community’s future remains robust. Attendees also visited the Legacy Speaks travelling booth to record personal phone messages to the community, capturing their hopes and motivations for charitable giving for generations to come.

The Jewish Foundation of Memphis extends profound gratitude to all the individuals, families, and organizations that sponsored the “L’Chaim to Legacy” celebration:

• Cooper Family
• Margo and Mark Fogelman
• Peggy E. and L.R. Jalenak, Jr.
• Laurie and Jeff Meskin
• Boyle Investment Co.
• Edward Jones IHO Kay and Allen Iskiwitz
• Kelman-Lazarov
• Kim and Rick Fogelman
• GTS Technologies, LLC / Tova and Roy Graber
• The Kaplan Family in Honor of Michael D. Kaplan
• Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Diversified Trust Company
• Hal Fogelman
• Forvis Mazars
• Rayna and Michael Greenberg
• Alla O. Lubin and Nathan Lubin
• Hal Newburger
• Jennifer and Joe Roberts
• Jordana and Jason Berger
• Dot and Stanley Bilsky
• Judy Bookman
• Andrea and Ted Cohen
• IMO Ronald Harkavy
• Rebekah and Mark Kaplowitz
• Susanne and Bruce Landau
• Leigh and Danny Mansberg
• Elaine S. Miner
• Rachel and Anthony Morrison
• Amy Israel Pregulman and John Pregulman
• Rachel and Rabbi Ross Levy
• Watkins Uiberall
• Dena and Gary Wruble
• Bene Kaplan
• Laurie and Elkan Scheidt
• Rob, David and Lauren Grossman, in memory of their parents Ron and Mimi Grossman 

L’Chaim to the next 30 years of partnership and success!