Robyn Weinman O'Hara, Kenneth Bloom, Toby Weinman Palchik, Barry Berman, Tom O'Hara, Cheryl Weinman Berman. Click thumbnail for more photos of the ceremony.

Toby Weinman Palchik gave an approving nod as a white cloth was lowered from a new sign reading in big red letters, "Toby Weinman Palchik Center for Jewish Philanthropy," just outside the main doors of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

"I'm so proud!" said Palchik, surrounded by family members from all over the country as she cut the ribbon for the new center.

It was also a red letter day for Federation, which will use Palchik's commitment of $1 million to fund the center, a new concept in fundraising that will significantly expand the range of charitable options for individuals and families to make more informed choices about their philanthropy while fulfilling the vital needs of the Jewish community, both here and abroad.

"You feel so strongly about the Jewish community and you are performing such a wonderful mitzvah," said Etta Gross Zimmerman, chair of the Federation Board of Directors.  "On behalf of the board, the leadership and the community, I thank you for being our friend."

Federation President and CEO William S. Bernstein was especially appreciative of Weinman Palchik's gift as the visionary of the new center, which is serving as a model for the Federation system nationally through its umbrella organization, United Jewish Communities (UJC).

"I had a dream that our Federation would be among the most innovative in the country when it came to the development of philanthropic resources. Today, that dream became a reality," said Bernstein.

Rabbi Dan Levin of Temple Beth El also had some special things to say to Weinman Palchik:  "You are a woman of valor.  This is a very special occasion for you and your family and the community that we share."

Weinman Palchik's three daughters and their husbands shared in the excitement of the historic moment.

"Our whole family is blessed to have been raised and taught by such a special woman who devotes all of herself to everything she does and everyone she meets, while asking just one simple thing in return: to be able to give a gift that keeps on giving and makes a difference.  Tonight, that request is being lived out," said Robin Weinman O'Hara, one of Weinman Palchik's three daughters.
 
Weinman Palchik is no stranger to being a pioneer or a philanthropist.  Professionally, she was the first woman electrical contractor in New York.  She has been a donor to the UJA/Federation Annual Campaign for 10 years, and became a "Lion of Judah" in 1996.  She has established the Toby and Mel Palchik Philanthropic Fund as well as a Charitable Gift Annuity.  In 2004, she became a trustee of the Jewish Women's Foundation of South Palm Beach County.

"The Jewish Federation is laying down a whole new foundation for the future," said Weinman Palchik, who learned about the underwriting opportunity for the new center from Leah Siskin, Federation V.P. and Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation.  "It gives me the opportunity to continue my philanthropy in perpetuity.  I hope it helps fulfill everybody's dreams and makes a difference in the lives of those who need help around the world."

With its personalized approach to charitable giving, the Toby Weinman Palchik Center for Jewish Philanthropy will become the hub of the Federation's financial resource development activities, including the annual campaign, endowment programs, designated or special projects, capital campaigns, corporate underwriting and naming opportunities for Federation departments and divisions.  

For more information on the Toby Weinman Palchik Center for Jewish Philanthropic and its programs, contact Jason Shames, Senior Vice President, Financial Resource Development, at (561) 852-3127 or jasons@bocafed.org.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County's mission is to provide life-saving and life-enhancing assistance to people in need and translate Jewish values into social action on behalf of Jews locally, in Israel and in more than 60 countries world-wide.  Federation accomplishes these goals through the UJA/Federation Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, the Jewish Community Foundation and the new Toby Weinman Palchik Center for Jewish Philanthropy, a new concept in fundraising that will help individuals and families to make more informed choices about their charitable giving while fulfilling the vital needs of the Jewish community.