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Department of Women’s Philanthropy Receives $1 Million Dollar Gift

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By FJN Staff

Dedicated philanthropist, longtime Federation lay leader and current Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) Chair, Dorothy P. “Dotti” Seaman of Boca Raton has committed a gift of $1 million to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County that will rename its Department of Women’s Philanthropy in her honor in perpetuity.

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Now to be called the Dorothy Seaman Department of Women’s Philanthropy, this division of Federation’s Toby Weinman Palchik Center of Jewish Philanthropy (CJP) is already at the forefront of women’s giving as it now leads the nation with 207 Lion of Judah Endowments, which represent women who have committed a planned gift of $100,000 or more to Jewish causes through Federation. This accounts for some $20 million or nearly half of South Palm Beach County Federation’s Annual Campaign.

Seaman, who has been involved with Federation’s Women’s Division since 1993 and served as its chair from 2003 to 2005, says the inspiration for her gift was simple:  “I’m dedicated to Federation’s mission of furthering the welfare of Jews. I want to make sure that the children, who are our future, grow up to be caring, involved and dedicated to Jewish causes.”

As Campaign Chair for Women’s Division, Seaman visited Eastern Europe and took part in three overseas missions.

“I met with the people who receive assistance through programs funded by Federation, and I was literally blown away,” she said. “To see the children’s schools and summer camps and realize how many Jews are in need changed my life. Federation gave me a very clear meaning and purpose--to help others and ensure Jewish continuity. The close relationships I have made — the friendship that I enjoy with so many people through Federation — feel like family to me.”

According to Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County President and CEO William S. Bernstein, “Dotti has created an incredible legacy in this community in terms of philanthropic giving. Last year Federation presented her with the coveted Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, honoring her extraordinary service through women’s philanthropy.”

Bernstein also pointed out that Seaman’s gift is the second million dollar donation from a woman to Federation this year.

“Toby Weinman Palchik’s million dollar gift in March 2007 opened the door in creating Federation’s Center for Jewish Philanthropy known as CJP,” Bernstein said. “To have another woman make a contribution at this level, within only six months, is unique for any community and sets a new standard for women’s philanthropy.”

Federation Director of Supplemental Philanthropy, Anita Shalley, added that Seaman was the first to make a major gift to the Jewish Day School Scholarship Endowment and also established the Seaman Family Scholarship Fund for the Jewish Education Commission to benefit the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School.

“Dotti honored the legacy of her beloved late husband Larry by endowing a $100,000 tax-free distribution from her IRA and through the Pension Protection Act of 2006 created an additional $100,000 memorial fund in his name. This will support the cultural arts program at the Jewish Association of Residential Care (JARC), one of Federation’s four primary beneficiary agencies,” Shalley said.

To Federation Campaign Vice Chair Ellen R. Sarnoff, “Dotti is a genuine friend and true mentor.”

“She understands the true value of friendship and has been a huge role model for me,” says Sarnoff. “Dotti is always calm, always patient and always inspiring.”

Seaman says her ‘big hope’ is that her gift will cause other women to give as generously.

“The women in this community are empowered, involved and have the money. They’ve already make a huge impact, and I expect them to step up to the plate and even surpass men in their giving levels,” says Seaman. “My philosophy is--if you have it, share it. Do something meaningful with it. Over the years I have received so much by giving, more than I can ever express.”


Posted by FJN Staff on 08/31 at 04:06 PM • Hits: 109



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