Federation Gift Leads to a Lifetime of Giving Back
You never know what effect a Federation scholarship may have on someone’s life, but Diane Lipson Schilit has proven that the impact can be tremendous. In 1972, Diane, then a 10th-grader, received a $150 scholarship from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to participate in a summer study program in Israel. At the end of the scholarship letter (pictured below), the Federation coordinator expressed hope that Diane would enjoy her experience and, in turn, contribute to the welfare and continuity of the Jewish people. As her path would show, that’s exactly what she did.
That Israel program, combined with Diane’s teenage experience with United Synagogue Youth at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus in North Miami Beach, inspired her adult career as a Jewish communal professional and volunteer. Diane served for 15 years as the Program and Youth Director of B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, MD. Diane, who splits her time between Key Biscayne and Bethesda with her husband, Howard, is also a long-time supporter of Jewish camping and community organizations, including the Foundation for Jewish Camp. She has had leadership roles with Hillel International and a number of university Hillels, including UF, where she serves as Capital Campaign Chair. Additionally, Diane is actively engaged in both the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
It was at the most recent Women’s Philanthropy Lion of Judah luncheon that she revealed the need to fulfill the promise from that 1972 scholarship. “I said, ‘You know, it's time to give back more,’” she recalled. That is when she decided to endow her Lion of Judah-level donation to Federation by making a grant from her Donor-Advised Fund. “And so it’s a pretty good return on investment,” Diane added. “And I'm so delighted to be part of the Miami Jewish community. Thank you for the opportunity to give back.”
If you would like to learn more about endowing a gift to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, contact Scott Kaplan, Director of The Foundation, at [email protected] or 786.866.8623.
