Chai Life Spring 2013 (PDF Document) - Jewish Federation of South ...

Profile in Giving:
Ellen R. Sarnoff
N
ot long after Ellen Sarnoff moved from New York to Boca Raton,
a donor and friend asked her to write a $5,000 check to the Jewish
Federation of South Palm Beach County. “I was new to the
community,” Ellen says, looking back with a smile. “I was afraid to say no.” When he
came back for more the following year, she decided it was time to find out about where
her money was going.
Moved by the work undertaken every day by Federation and its partner agencies, Ellen’s
involvement quickly grew. “I felt I had found a new family,” she says. “I still feel that way.”
Since then, Ellen has demonstrated her commitment to Federation and her passion
for our mission in countless ways. Now in her third year as Federation Board Chair,
she previously led three Annual Campaigns, as well as the King David Society, Lion of
Judah Endowment and Financial Resource Development Committees. A past Women’s
Division Chair, Ellen was inaugural recipient of the Dorothy P. Seaman Leadership
Award, and now sits on the JFNA National Women’s Philanthropy Board. She serves
on the Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation Board, and is a charter member of the
Jewish Women’s Foundation. Ellen has also served on boards of our beneficiary agencies.
She now chairs the Federation CCRC Development, LLC, as it develops Sinai Residences
on campus, a project to which she is firmly committed.
Ellen is focused on the continuing effort to build strong bridges that will connect
committed, compassionate supporters and diverse community partners with people
in need. “When Ellen sets her mind to something, success is never far away,” says
Matthew C Levin, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach
County. “Her quiet strength belies the power of her leadership. Ellen has been absolutely
instrumental in helping guide our Federation through a transitional period.”
Ellen shrugs off the effort. “I get more out of this than what I give, there’s no question,”
she says. “I just feel great every day thinking about the good that we do.”
What has been your highest priority as Chair of the Jewish Federation
of South Palm Beach County?
It’s very important to me that people feel good about being a part of this
Jewish community because of what we can achieve together.
What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in that role?
No question - bringing Matt Levin on board as our CEO. He’s an outstanding leader,
who has changed the face of our Federation. We’ve absolutely turned the corner. He’s
lifted our spirits.
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