This is My Legacy: Susie Rubin

This is my Legacy: How Susie Rubin decided to create a Lion of Judah Endowment

What is the best part of being a member of the Jewish Cleveland community?

Being a part of the Jewish Cleveland community is extremely important to me. My house has always been in suburban Cleveland, but the Jewish community has helped make this area my home. It has given me a sense of belonging to something much greater than my family alone.

What are the things that motivate you to donate your time and money?

I feel so very fortunate to be able to give back to the community that has provided so much for me. The incredible needs locally, nationally, and internationally motivate me to be both generous with my time and with my philanthropy. I work with the Federation to encourage others to take responsibility and respond to those who need our help.

Tell us about becoming a Lion and then endowing your gift.

I chose to become a Lion of Judah* at a time when I undertook a volunteer leadership role in another organization. I couldn't commit the same amount of volunteer time to the Federation’s Women’s Division, but I wanted to maintain my level of involvement through my Campaign gift. Becoming a Lion of Judah made me feel that I was still giving all that I could to the Federation. When I joined the Create Your Jewish Legacy committee at the Federation, I realized how important it was to endow my campaign gift.

How did you achieve your goal?

I talked to others who had endowed their gift and I learned of the many ways to accomplish creating a Jewish legacy in Cleveland. I quickly realized that it was something that I could facilitate rather easily. With some guidance from Federation staff and financial professionals, my husband, Steve, and I were able to make certain that my gift will live on with a gift of insurance.

What would be your advice for someone thinking about leaving a legacy?

I would suggest contacting the very capable endowment specialists we have here at the Federation. They are readily available to create the mechanism appropriate for each donor. It’s a personal experience.

* Lions of Judah are women who make individual gifts of $5,000 or more to the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

Meet Hedy Milgrom

Interested in creating a Lion of Judah Endowment? Contact Hedy Milgrom at 216-593-2850 or hmilgrom@jcfcleve.org.