IN THE NEWS: Feldmans Make Legacy Gift to JFS

Danielle Hartman, JFS President & CEO, Larry & Diane Feldman, Judi Donoff, JFS Chair of the Board

Larry and Diane Feldman, of Boca Raton, longtime supporters of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS), recently announced a substantial Legacy Gift to the organization.

The gift ensures the perpetuity of the Feldman Family Diamond & Adventure Clubs run by JFS.

The Feldmans have been both the JFS Diamond Club and JFS Adventure Club sponsor for several years, having funded the Diamond Club since 2008 and the Adventure Club since 2013.

The Feldman Family Diamond Club meets every Monday at the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center in Delray Beach. Members aged 75 and over enjoy current events discussions and educational programs, community service projects, entertainers, special events, day trips and guest speakers along with refreshments and companionship.

The Feldman Family Adventure Club is for active seniors who are interested in participating in excursions to beautiful gardens, museums, theater shows and boat trips throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

When asked why they wanted to announce their Legacy Gift now, the Feldmans stated that: "It's because we are selfish. We want to see the use of our gift in our lifetime. Nothing makes us happier than seeing all of our seniors so happy."

Stated Larry Blair, JFS Legacy Gifts chair: "With their gift, the Feldmans have ensured that the programs they value, the Diamond and Adventure Clubs, will be sustained and provide enjoyment for future generations of seniors."

Added Danielle Hartman, JFS president/CEO: "The Feldmans use the phrase 'How Blessed Are We?' to refer to the community, but in actuality it is us at JFS that are 'blessed' to have the Feldmans as part of our family. The Feldmans' passion and commitment to help others is so genuine and heartfelt — and the people whose lives they touch everyday are so appreciative of their wonderful philanthropy."

Hartman continued: "Socialization is a key factor in the overall health of our aging senior population. When seniors don't have a place to go they become isolated and withdrawn, and it usually leads to depression, illness and sometimes death. We are thankful for the Feldmans having the vision to see the Diamond and Adventure Clubs serving the community in different yet very important ways."

Professionally, the Feldmans are one of the largest Subway development agents in the country, having control of more than 1,500 locations in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

In 2011, the Feldmans became the development agent of every Subway location in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, accounting for approximately 300 of their 1,500 locations.

Their incredible success as entrepreneurs is only dwarfed in comparison to their on-going caring and philanthropy. With both dedicated to health causes, Larry and Diane have raised more than $3 million for breast cancer and diabetes research through their company, Subway Development Corporation.

Larry has dedicated many years of serving on the boards and committees of Jewish organizations and is currently Campaign Chair at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

Diane has served on the JFS executive committee and board of directors for several years, currently serving as vice chair of personnel, and is active in Women's Philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

The Feldmans also are proud parents to three sons: Daniel, Adam and Jonathan.

For additional information on the Diamond and/or Adventure Clubs, call Hannah Klingsberg, JFS Diamond and Adventure Clubs coordinator at 561-558-2156.

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