At the Jewish Community Foundation reception: (l to r) former Foundation Trustee
Arnold Greenberg, Trustee Leigh Newman and Life Trustee Michael Suisman.

More than 150 donors and friends of Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford attended a reception on Sept. 6 at Beth El Temple in West Hartford to celebrate the Foundation’s 40th anniversary.
“The Foundation’s mission is not money,” said Foundation CEO Michael Johnston. “The remarkable generosity of individuals and families in this community is the foundation upon which we build our true purpose. We exist to assure the continuity of this remarkable Jewish community.”
“We exist as a vehicle for our donors deepest and most heartfelt philanthropic dreams whether Jewish or secular,” he continued. “And perhaps we exist for another purpose. All of us, at one time or another, look for the meaning in our lives. Often, we may find that purpose in our faith or our families or even in our work.  Yet, some of us find purpose in life through philanthropy.”
The evening also included a special tribute by Foundation Chair David Miller to the late Howard Siegal, a Foundation trustee who passed away earlier this year.

At the Jewish Community Foundation reception: (l to r) Foundation CEO Michael Johnston, presenter Lauren Shaw, and Foundation Chair David Miller.

Established in 1972, the Jewish Community Foundation holds $80 million in assets and administers more than 1,100 funds on behalf of local agencies, synagogues, and donor advisors.  The Foundation awarded more than $3.1 million in grants and scholarships during the 2012 fiscal year.