Name: Ann Kelman

Residence: Boca Raton

Birthplace: Jerusalem

Family: Three sons

Cause: The Jewish Women's Foundation of South Palm Beach County, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County founded by Roxane Frecie Lipton in 2003. The foundation awards grants to expand and improve opportunities and choices for Jewish women and girls locally and nationally.

Q. Describe your volunteer role.

A. I co-chair the Jewish Women's Foundation of South Palm Beach County with Mara Reuben. I also chair the federation's relationship with our sister city in Israel, Kiryat Bialik, through the Partnership 2000 project.

Q. How did you choose this organization?

A. I joined JWF at the request of Roxane Lipton.

Q. Why do you volunteer?

A. I have been blessed in many ways, and I do not take it for granted. My mother survived the Holocaust because two men who worked for her father took great risks to protect her family. I believe it is both a responsibility and a privilege to be able to assist those in need. It does not matter the level, but it does matter that we care and do what we can to help.

Q. What has the foundation accomplished?

A. Last year, JWF awarded $135,000 in grants to nine agencies. In the past six years, we have granted nearly $400,000. Local programs include SAVVY, an innovative self-defense and self-actualization program for teenage girls and adult women with special needs in South Florida, and educational initiatives for teenage girls in south Palm Beach County to deepen their knowledge of Judaism and Jewish culture.

Q. How do you choose which organizations receive grants?

A. Each year, JWF requests an initial letter of intent from organizations who seek to improve the status of Jewish women and girls. Our trustees — a diverse group of women representing various backgrounds, interests and ages — review applications and choose which programs will receive grant awards.

Q. Describe the trustee role.

A. Trustees have the opportunity to be hands-on philanthropists and empower Jewish women and girls through strategic and effective grant making. All trustees, regardless of their giving level, have an equal vote in the grant-making process.

Q. What challenges do you face?

A. JWF is relatively new, so growth is our first challenge. We welcome new trustees of all ages to join us to participate and shape our future with creative ideas and knowledge.

Q. Aside from money, what does this organization need?

A. Increased community awareness and developing partnerships with businesses is important. We would like to make our foundation and resources known to local organizations, so they can submit their letters of intent and grant requests.

For more information, visit http://www.jewishboca.org/jwf or call 561-852-3188.

If you know a Palm Beach County resident who deserves recognition for volunteer work, fax the information to 954-429-1207 or e-mail to darcylynnclinton@yahoo.com. Nominations should include volunteer's name, city of residence, a contact