Billy

billydee

With Your Help, Here’s What We’ve Accomplished So Far In 2023

May 24, 2023 Billy Grants, Thank You, What's Happening? No comments

Dear friends,

We thought you might like to know how we spent the money you’ve donated to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation thus far in 2023 (with links to each recipient if you’d like to learn more):

In Ukraine …

Ukraine Children’s Action Project … works in Ukraine and Poland with a wide range of organizations and government agencies to help address the critical and growing needs of traumatized Ukrainian kids who are exposed to the unrelenting attacks of the Russian military
Shelter Friend – Ukraine … helping sick and injured stray animals in Dneproperovsk city, Ukraine, that have been caught in the crossfire of the armed conflict there
United 24 … the official fundraising platform of the nation of Ukraine, allows for the world to unite in protecting, supporting and rebuilding Ukraine during its battle to defend itself from Russian assault
IsraAID … throughout the conflict in Ukraine, IsraAID has provided essential services at the Moldovan border for fleeing refugees, established in Romania a supply chain for humanitarian aid into southern Ukraine, and has provided mental health and psychosocial support training in Ukraine itself for psychologists and social workers in Irpin and Bucha, cities in Kyiv region that saw the large-scale loss of civilian life
Grannies Respond NYC … formed in response to the separation of families seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border in 2018, provides compassionate and respectful support for asylum seekers and immigrants who seek safety and security in the United States

In Turkey and Syria …

The White Helmets … benefitting from your donations to our Earthquake Relief campaign in February, The White Helmets are an all-volunteer relief organization on the ground in Syria, rescuing victims from the destruction there and then helping to rebuild lives in the earthquake’s aftermath
IsraAID … also benefitting from your donations to our Earthquake Relief campaign, volunteers from Israel have brought help to Syria, regardless of the ongoing discord between these two nations
Embrace Relief … receiving a grant from JMF on your behalf, this Turkish-American relief organization has partnered with other organizations and has sent their own volunteers to bring help to earthquake-ravaged Turkey
Bridge to Turkiye … , a Turkish-American relief organization that partners with other organizations to get the help to where it’s most needed
Oxfam America … this well-known super-hunger assistance organization works with partners to provide nearly two million survivors in the worst-affected areas of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria with clean water, food, shelter, blankets, and psychological support
Syrian American Medical Society Foundation … provides medical relief and healthcare to innocent civilians affected by the Syrian earthquake
World Central Kitchen … responded to the earthquake in Turkey in Syria by organizing teams of food first responders to get meals to the people who need them most

And so many other places that need your help …

Play Group Theatre … “preparing kids for every stage in life,” PGT understands that rather than the show what’s most important when kids do theatre is learning collaboration, sharpening listening skills, embracing creativity, and treating one another with honor
6 Points Creative Arts Academy … a summer camp that strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing
Mississippi River Network … disproportionately and unjustly impacted by pollution, public health disparities, and economic injustices, communities of color along the Mississippi River benefit from the efforts of the MRN which works for the well-being of the people, land, water, and wildlife of America’s largest watershed
Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp and Youth Services … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins, then stays with them to help ensure success throughout the entire year
Sing Unto God … works to elevate the practice of communal singing and meaningful worship for any person, congregation, or community wanting to learn about or experience the transformative power of uniting voices
Harmony Project … provides no-cost, high-quality music instruction and social support to underserved children in low-income communities, motivating them to cultivate their human potential
Food Bank for NYC … working to end food poverty in New York City’s five boroughs by helping low-income New Yorkers overcome their circumstances and achieve greater independence
National Diaper Network … provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential
The Tali Fund … in memory of Talia Faith Agler, supports Tali’s ongoing work and dreams, helping fund the Talia Agler Girls Shelter in Nairobi, Kenya

We hope you feel as good about these grants as we do. Thank you so much for supporting us. We’re grateful to have you with us as we carry forward Jonah’s legacy — his zest for living and his passion for goodness — and, together, work to improve the lives of young people everywhere.

Wishing you every goodness,
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden Dreskin
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

Campaign for Earthquake Relief … thus far

February 18, 2023 Billy What's Happening? No comments

Dear friends,

With your compassionate and generous support, we’ve sent off four grants to provide help from all of us in the aftermath of the recent natural disaster that has caused so much damage and taken so many lives in Turkey and Syria.

Grants have been made to:

The White Helmets, an all-volunteer relief organization on the ground in Syria. White Helmets volunteers have saved some 3000 victims from the destruction caused by the earthquake. The White Helmets are now entering the next phase of their emergency response: recovery and rehabilitation.
IsraAID, volunteers from Israel bringing help to anywhere in the world whose citizens find themselves in emergency need (including countries that are hostile to Israel, like Syria).
Embrace Relief, a Turkish-American relief organization that partners with organizations and sends their own volunteers to bring help where needed.
Bridge to Turkiye, a Turkish-American relief organization that partners with other organizations to get the help to where it’s most needed.

We’ll keep on helping on your behalf so if you would like to make a gift, The Jonah Maccabee Foundation would be pleased to find the organizations that are doing the best work there and direct our communal dollars to them.

Visit jonahmac.org/donate and donate to our Earthquake Relief Fund. We’ll take care of the rest.

The Jonah Maccabee Foundation has promised to honor Jonah’s life by “turning love into action.” The people whose lives have been upended and (often literally) reduced to rubble in Southwestern Asia is exactly the kind of love Jonah would act on. And with your help, so will we.

Thank you for supporting our Earthquake Relief Fund.

Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

Thank you for donating to our Earthquake Relief Fund

February 15, 2023 Billy Thank You No comments

Thank you for participating in our efforts to bring some love and drastically-needed help to the earthquake-ravaged areas in Turkey and Syria. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership in making this happen.

The Dreskins

Laura and Matt Copel … in memory of Joseph Farhi

Susan and Richard Loether

Marge Thrope

Carol Scharff

The Levins

Mike and Stacey Silverman

Alexis A. Milford

Cantor and Mrs. Stephen Richards

Cantor Leon Sher

Chuck and Nancy Fishman

Rabbi Susie Moskowitz

Amy Dattner-Levy

Anonymous

Naomi and Richard Binenfeld

Bobbi Tornheim

Danny Siegel

Anonymous

Liza Pincus and Elie Salamon

Sue Bensadon

Sally Winter

Nicole Roos

Mary Ann and Gary Shamis

Jo and Frank Hariton

Corey Friedlander … in memory of Jonah Dreskin

Anonymous

Glynis Conyer

Robbie Harris

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein … in honor of Miryam Coppersmith

Roberta Roos

Barry Tenenholtz

Roberta Grossman

Rene Katersky

Martine and Bruce Klein

Henry and Diana Asher

Lois and Jay Izes

Susan and Andy Sterling

Terri and Steve Levin

Scott B. Cantor and Lisa E. Stone

Mattie and David Paul … in honor of the Dreskin family for all they do for others

Ruth Rugoff and Joe + Annie Potischman … in honor of The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

Riki Lippitz … in honor of Rhita Lippitz’s birthday

Hugs

February 14, 2023 Billy Jonah 4 comments

Dear Jonah,

Today is February 14, 2023. You were born exactly thirty-three years ago. Our Valentine’s Day baby.

In my birthday letter to you last year, I wrote that many of your friends and family have, over the years, dreamed about you. The bonus in many of those dreams was if you reached out and gave your dreamer a hug. Your hugs were legend, Jonah. Big, strong, and rib-crushing. They were to be savored and remembered. Remembered because your hugs always made an impression. Even in a dream, Jonah-hugs are unforgettable!

Big man/Little man … G’pa Jake and Jonah (circa 1996)

You must have learned how to hug from your Grandpa Jake, Mom’s dad, with whom you shared a special bond, including the genetic gift of size. Grandpa Jake was strong as an ox, as were you, and his hugs were rib-busters too. In both cases, we really had to prepare ourselves for the boa constrictor-like squeeze that accompanied every hug. In your case, if we were lucky, you’d augment the hug by picking us up and swinging us around as well. I don’t think I ever got one of those, but I did once get an unforgettable pick-me-up!

Age 13 and he still loved hugging his George!

In 1991, you were just a year old, not yet a hugger to anyone except Curious George, your little monkey buddy who accompanied you nearly everywhere. While silently wishing you’d direct some of that affection in our direction, Mom and I adored watching as you would smother that little critter with unbounded love. Sometimes though, you would be overtaken by your excitement about something, the source of which we had absolutely no inkling, and you’d run over to me, and bury your head in my shoulder, too cute for words. A sign, to be sure, but we had no idea the storm of tenderness that was brewing inside you, and that the relentless squeezes you unleashed on that little furry guy were paving the way for you developing the very trait that would one day become your calling card.

I’ve mentioned these hugs in many of my letters, Jonah. But I’ve gathered a few of them here, just in case you were somehow oblivious to the impact (physical and emotional) they had on all of us.

Even in front of the Ark, in front of the congregation, at Jonah’s Confirmation in 2000, everything stopped for a hug from this boy.

When you were in the tenth grade and a member of “Rabbi Dad’s” Confirmation class, I remember you finishing the reading of your Confirmation statement, walking over to me at the open Ark, my placing a Torah in your arms, whispering some words to you, and then placing my hands on your head to give you a blessing. As I finished, I reached out to kiss your forehead and you reached right back. With your left arm (the right, still holding the Torah) you hugged me. It was a moment and a feeling that I will never forget.

Which, every now and then, was what it meant to be Jonah Dreskin’s dad.

On Hanukkah, after lighting candles, we would open gifts. When you were younger, you weren’t very good at hiding your feelings of disappointment upon receiving something you didn’t much care for. But as you grew older, your charm and your grace and your deepening understanding of the important things in life, these all kicked in. I cherished watching you give a thank you (almost always accompanied by a hug) for something I knew hadn’t been anywhere near the top of your list. I so admired that in you. Especially knowing how far you’d journeyed to get there.

And then there were the dreams. I haven’t had too many of them, JoJo, which makes them all the more special.

2006. When his arms opened wide, you didn’t miss the opportunity!

In 2009, about eight months after your death, I had my first dream about you. You had gone away to college and we went to visit you. At the end of that visit, when it was clearly time for a goodbye hug, you and I hesitated, as if maybe it wasn’t that time. Which was surprising, of course, since hugs had always been your go-to, your specialty. But then you reached out to me and gave me that precious hug. After a moment, you broke from the embrace and I thought our goodbye was over. But then you reached for me one more time … and you kissed me. You kissed me! Never in my life (or yours) had your lips ever touched my person! And not only that, you kissed me a whole bunch of times, all over my face! Six or seven smackaroos, from cheek to forehead to other cheek. And I’m still left wondering: Was that a dream, or did you make your way back to let me know you loved me?

If so, message received. Thank you, boy.

In 2010, about a year after you died, I was sleeping at Kibbutz Merom Golan in Israel and I dreamt that you had returned to us. I’m in some sort of movie theater and I notice you towards the front. You’re on your feet speaking quietly with others around you. It feels so good to have you back. I go to you and, of course, there are hugs. But this time they’re different – sweet, tender, and quiet. You seem humbled to be there. To be anywhere. You are neither boisterous nor your usual large and smiling self. But you do seem comfortable. I think you told me it was frightening, but I’m not sure that was the word you used. I do remember that you were taking nothing for granted.

This nighttime moment has been precious, but I sense that the roosters on the kibbutz are crowing and I am waking up. I resist, knowing the moment will fade. As I drift toward consciousness, I’m pleased that the scene lingers for just a bit. But as I expected, it softens and begins to fade. I am awake. The warmth, however, remains.

17th birthday hug from Mom. Notice the lock-technique in his hands. She wasn’t going anywhere!

We all craved your hugs, Jonah – family and friends alike. They were so strong, but they always conveyed your relentless and generous offerings of gentleness, kindness, friendship, protection, intimacy, humor, bravado and love. And who wouldn’t want some of those? Even after you’d physically gone, the effects of your presence among us still reverberates.

Someone once suggested to me that if I spent less time thinking about you during the day (guilty as charged), I might meet you more often during the night. But much as those nighttime romps might appeal to me, I’m not sure I either want or should remove you from my day. You are such a vital part of my daily life. Your photographs are all over our home, capturing not only that big, beautiful spirit of yours but also time that you spent sharing that spirit with each of us. There are mementos of your life — gifts you once gave me, toys and books and music that were yours — scattered throughout. I love them all. Because while I don’t want you, or your absence, to rule my life, I never want to push you aside either. You are one of my three children. And you always will be. That makes me cry, because you are gone. And it makes me smile, because you were here. I won’t ever let you disappear.

Dr. Sunita Puri, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Southern California, urges us “to examine, rather than bury, the loss and grief around us” (“We Must Learn to Look at Grief, Even When We Want to Run Away,” New York Times, Feb 23, 2022). In a sense, Jonah, your death defines my life. I am so grateful that you (and Katie and Aiden) have been part of it. And your early departure is constantly teaching me to appreciate what I have, right here and now, to do my very best to not waste it. If I spend part of my days with you, it’s because I miss you, and because you have become one of my life-guides. I think I’m doing life better because of your continued presence in it.

For me, Jonah, you were a giant. Yes, because of the person you had become and were becoming. But also because you were a Dreskin. You and your siblings loom larger than anything else in my life. The three of you are the gleaming jewels of my existence, and of whom I never tire watching. So while dreams are exciting, perhaps because they bring some sort of new experience to the table post-March 5, 2009, the truth is that you’re gone. Thinking about you, about the nineteen years that you were with us, helps me to face the reality that you are no longer here. And that, dreams aside, you’re not coming back.

Never too young to learn. Note the lock method in Aiden’s burgeoning technique!

Your hugs were so physical, so tactile, that they remain, for many of us, a powerful memory of the time we were lucky enough to share with you. And yes, those hugs have become a most welcome encounter gleefully and gratefully met during the twilight hours of a delicious, obliging dream. But like any memory, they capture only a fraction of the real thing.

Today would have been your 33rd birthday, Jonah. I miss you. I miss you today and everyday.

As sad as I am that you are gone, I am happy that you were once with us. You made us a five-some. A family. A fantastic gathering of love and delight. We laughed, we played, we sang, we annoyed, we took care of each other. Thirty-three years after your arrival, and nearly fourteen since you’ve been gone, I don’t live my life for you but I don’t live it without you either. Like those titanic hugs of yours, you are not and will not be forgotten.

It’s not what we wanted, but it’s what we’ve got. So day or night, your memory and your spirit will be cherished and honored. You were a blessing to us all. You always will be.

Happy birthday, my sweet Maccabee.

Love you forever,
Dad

Campaign for Earthquake Relief

February 13, 2023 Billy What's Happening? No comments

Dear friends,

While we only just completed our December fundraising, we can’t ignore the recent natural disaster that has caused so much damage and taken so many lives in Turkey and Syria. If you would like to help, The Jonah Maccabee Foundation would be pleased to find the organizations that are doing the best work there and direct our communal dollars to them.

Visit jonahmac.org/donate and make a gift to our Earthquake Relief Fund. We’ll take care of the rest, sending off our combined gifts every few days or so.

The Jonah Maccabee Foundation has promised to honor Jonah’s life by “turning love into action.” The people whose lives have been upended and (often literally) reduced to rubble in Southwestern Asia is exactly the kind of love Jonah would act on. And with your help, so will we.

As always, we are grateful and humbled to be your partner in working for sustained meaningful change in our society. Thank you for supporting our Earthquake Relief Fund.

Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

JMF Awards Grant to Mississippi River Network

February 3, 2023 Billy Grants No comments

Communities all along the Mississippi River are disproportionately and unjustly impacted by pollution, public health disparities, and economic injustices, often communities of color.

The Mississippi River Network (MRN) works for the well-being of the people, land, water, and wildlife of America’s largest watershed.

MRN lovingly labors to protect, restore, enjoy, and sustainably develop, the MIssissippi River, the water that brings life to the region, the lands through which it flows, and the wildlife that shares it and relies on its well-being.

Environmental issues and racial issues are linked, as minority communities often suffer most from exploitation of the land and other resources. The Jonah Maccabee Foundation’s support for the Mississippi River Network reflects Jonah’s profound love for people and the giant blue marble that gave him life and all of us as well.

We’re honored to make this grant from our Fund for Racial Justice.

Learn more about the Mississippi River Network here.

As always, we simply could not do this without your support. Thank you for your donations that make our involvement possible.

Thank you … to those who, in 2023, have provided funds so we can make a difference in people’s lives

January 3, 2023 Billy Thank You No comments

Cantor Lisa Levine

Corey Friedlander

Tom and Susan Schaeffer

Geri Pell

Dialectica Ltd

Beth Sher

Susan and Jonathan Stein

Karen Steele … in memory of Jonah

Anonymous … in memory of Jonah

Julie Goldstein Feldman

Marc Maxwell … in memory of David Passer and Rae Sedel

Jenna and Zach Plesent … in honor of Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman and Cantor Ellen Dreskin, for their help, guidance, and love, and for officiating our incredible wedding

Margo and Charles Wolfson

Our friends

Doug Mishkin and Wendy Jennis

Merri and Ramie Arian

Ira Lichtiger and Joyce Bluestone

Frances Rosenfeld

Bonnie Denmark Friedman

Myron Katz … in memory of Rina

Maxwell Sedel Family Foundation, Inc.

Marilyn and Jeff Bilsky

Phyllis Opochinsky

Just “thank you!”

January 2, 2023 Billy Thank You No comments

Whew! That was huge.

First of all, you stuck by us as we bombarded you with nearly a dozen emails this month. We’d wanted to share with you the wonderful videos from our 10th Anniversary Event, and you let us! Thank you for that.

Second, did you know that charitable giving is down everywhere because of the economy? But you came through for us! Thank you even moreso for that. We promise to use your dollars in as caring and compassionate a way as possible.

And all those videos? If you missed any, here they are one more time:

That’s it, friends. Thank you again. Sincerely. We’ll keep you updated on our projects. More than anything, you have our deep gratitude … for helping us remember Jonah Mac by turning love into action.

As always, you’re welcome to send additional donations, perhaps to honor someone YOU love.

Wishing you every goodness in the new year,
The Dreskin family
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

Don’t miss us on Facebook and Twitter!

Thanks to all who have contributed to our “Our Second 10 Years!” Campaign

November 29, 2022 Billy Thank You No comments

We are so grateful that you take the time and dollars to support our work. It’s incredibly gratifying and this list of donors to our “Our Second 10 Years!” Campaign is a small but earnest expression of our thanks. May our shared efforts bring ever-increasing goodness into a world that so desperately needs it.

The Dreskins

Malka and Ross Wolman

Janet and Doron Elam

Andrew Katz

Sue Shankman and Michael Namath

Kenneth I Green

Barbara Orwick

Jeffrey Nakrin

Steve and Terri Levin

Anonymous

Bari Ziegel

Eileen Reiter

Marsha Shapiro … in memory of Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

Jo Hariton

Tom and Susan Schaeffer

Richard and Marsha Cohn

Cantor Leon Sher … in honor of all the good work the Dreskin family does in the world

The Sommer family

Glynis Conyer

Allison Pincus and Matt Scult … in memory of Jonah Dreskin whose spirit continues to impact many

Dale Glasser

Rick and Addie Lupert

Steve Klaper and Mary Gilhuly

Dr. Daniel Lucas

Carol Ochs

Ronni Schatz … in memory of Rabbi Scott Corngold

Anonymous … in honor of the Dreskin family

Nicole Roos

Bonnie Denmark Friedman

Noni and Bob Stearns

Jonathan Kessel

Melissa Kaye-Swift … in loving memory of Jonah

Pietra, Alan, and Ben Greenberg/Cohen … in memory of Sylvia and Arthur

Margot Serwer and Jonathan Gordon … in memory of Jonah Dreskin (z”l)

Jody and Michael Weinberg

Rabbi Mo Salth

Tracy Friend

Myron Katz … in memory of Rina Katz

Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman … in memory of Susan Sirkman

Geri Pell

Patti Linsky

Sharol Brickman

Rena Dreskin … in memory of Jonah M Dreskin

Rabbi Zachary Plesent and Cantor Jenna Mark

Noah Budin … in honor of Sharon Grace

Nina Luban … in memory of Jonah

Liz Kanter Groskind and Eric Groskind

Elliott and Phyllis Rosen

Harvey Feldman … in memory of Nathan and Marian Feldman

Dan and Kelly Kaskawits … in memory of Tammy Kaskawits

Cantor Lisa Levine

Naomi and Richard Binenfeld … to celebrate Jonah’s life!

Renni Altman and Rick Wender … in honor of Daniel Wender, because he loved Jonah

Joan and Andy Farber … in honor of Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden

Jay and Erica Leon

Kyla and Mitchell Schneider

Rabbi Jonah Pesner and Dana Gershon

Daniel Pliskin

Patti and Wayne Fuchs … in memory of Mrs. Hilda Blum

Abby and Harry Heiman

Ariel Milan-Polisar

Neil and Denise Weinstein

Marilyn and Jeff Bilsky

Andy and Susan Sterling

Carol Scharff

Ellen G Krieger Rubin … in memory of Larry Gralla

Todd Gordon and Susan Feder

Danny Siegel

Anonymous … in memory of Hilda Blum

Rene Katersky … in honor of the Dreskin family because I have so much respect and admiration for all you do, not only in this good work in Jonah’s memory, but for your continuous warmth of welcome and teaching

Anonymous

Cantor Danielle Rodnizki … in honor of singing with Ellen, Merri, Benjie and Jenna

Mark Kaufman and Rachel Wineberg

Julie and Scott Stein

Cantor Todd Kipnis

Debra Robbins

Faryn Rudnick

Abby Gostein

Josh Perlstein

Rabbi Andy Vogel and Martha Hausman

Kim Geringer and Colin Dunn

Martine and Bruce Klein

Adina Baseman Sharfstein

Bonnie C. Mitelman

Rabbi Steven Lowenstein

Helen Meltzer-Krim

Merri Rosenberg

Michael Pincus

Anonymous … in memory of Hilda Blum

Stan and Loretta Freimark … in memory of Mrs. Hilda Blum, an elegant kind woman who will be missed by many

Cantor Jill Abramson

Jeanne and Murray Bodin

Craig Taubman … in memory of Jonah Maccabee

Marc Rosenstein

Beth D. Davidson

Kathy Tuchman Glass

John Kalter

Chuck and Nancy Fishman

Morris L. Kramer

Mayta Cohen

Phyllis Opochinsky … in memory of Jonah Dreskin

Robbie Harris

Jeanne Weiland and Jay Moskovitz

Scott B. Cantor and Lisa E. Stone

Gail Nalven and Pat Rudden

Cantor Benjie Schiller and Rabbi Les Bronstein

Rabbi and Mrs. Norman Cohen … in honor of Ellen and Billy Dreskin

Vivian and David Singer

Jonathan Slater

Mary Ann Shamis

Rob Berliner … in memory of Jonah

Ilene Berger

Jessica and Chuck Myers

Sara Steinberg

The Hacker family

Barbara Stambler

Linda A Harvey

Rabbi Larry Milder

Anonymous

The American Jewish Archives, Dr. Gary P. Zola, Executive Director

Michael Dreskin and Carol Williams … in honor of his favorite brother Billy (which Michael did not say but since Billy controls this page, he figured why not)

Arnie Sleutelberg and Robert Crowe

Louis and Kathy Bordman … in honor of the Dreskin family

Dr. Madelyn Katz … in memory of Micah Bycel

Ken and Liz Blum … in memory of Hilda Blum, and in recognition of Rabbi Mara’s beautiful, touching funeral service

Corey Friedlander

Corey Friedlander … in memory of Hilda Blum, mother of Ken Blum

Lois and Jay Izes

Anonymous

Beth Sher

Jeremy Wolfe

Steve Hummel and family … in memory of Jonah

The Pomer Family

Rabbi Larry and Rhonda Karol

Jan and Lanie Katzew

Rochelle Novins … in memory of Jay and Kevin Novins

Rabbi Norman M. Cohen

Al and Sara Dreskin

Susan and David Berger

Madeline Hendricks

Sally Winter

Rabbi Hillel Cohn

Paul Flexner … in honor of Billy

Lew Wyman and Susan Newman

Liza Pincus and Elie Salamon

Barry and Joanne Citrin

Michael Mellen

Molly Rodriguez

Rebecca Schwartz

Roberta Grossman

Roberta Roos

Jamie and Joey Carroll … in honor of Katie Dreskin

Ruth Rugoff and Joe + Annie Potischman … in memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin

Karen Steele

Norman E. Friedman

With Your Help, Here’s What We Accomplished In 2022

November 23, 2022 Billy Grants, Thank You, What's Happening? No comments

Dear friends,

We thought you might like to know how we spent the money you donated to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation in 2022.

Here’s the rundown of the grants we made this year:

MindLeaps … creates educational paths for vulnerable children by engaging them in fun dance classes that are part of a carefully crafted curriculum to develop key cognitive and social-emotional skills vital to success in school and work.
American Indian College Fund … supports Native student access to higher education. With only 14% of American Indians earning college degrees (less than half the national average), AICF empowers 4000 American Indian students annually to start and stay in school, complete degrees and launch careers.
Yes We Can … provides full time bilingual education and safe spaces for migrant children at U.S.-Mexico border who have no permanent address to attend school.
League of Women Voters … working to protect and expand voting rights through advocacy, education and litigation at the local, state, and national levels.
IsraAid … supports Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and supplies humanitarian aid to southern Ukraine
Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center … provides free outdoor educational programming to low-resourced communities in the Boston Public Schools
The Penguin Project … provides theatrical outlets across the country for young artists with developmental disabilities, joined onstage by children without disabilities who work side-by-side through rehearsals and performances
United Negro College Fund …awards more than 10,000 students scholarships annually, and provides financial support to 37 historically black colleges and universities
“Songleading: A Work of Art” … the Foundation has underwritten this important book that promotes the training of a new generation of capable, effective leaders of communal singing.
The PICO Union Project … distributes free, fresh produce, mentors high school students, plants gardens and trees, and provides art programs to lift the minds and spirits of the immigrant communities living in the El Pueblo district in Los Angeles
The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project … provides free legal services to men, women, and unaccompanied children in Arizona who face immigration removal proceedings, endeavoring to ensure each immigrant has access to counsel, understands their rights under the law, and is treated fairly and humanely
Harmony Project … provides no-cost, high-quality music instruction and social support to underserved children in low-income communities, motivating them to cultivate their human potential
The Reform Movement’s Racial Justice Campaign … combats voter suppression, addressing systemic racism by demanding policy change on both a state and federal level
Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights … advocates for the rights and best interests of immigrant children, from custody and release to the ultimate decision about whether the child will be allowed to remain in the U.S.
Play Group Theatre … “preparing kids for every stage in life,” PGT understands that the show isn’t what’s most important when kids do theatre. Learning collaboration, sharpening listening skills, embracing creativity, and treating one another with honor … these are what PGT is all about. We love that!
National Diaper Network … provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential
6 Points Creative Arts Academy … a summer camp that strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing
The Tali Fund … in memory of Talia Faith Agler, supports Tali’s ongoing work and dreams, helping fund the Talia Agler Girls Shelter in Nairobi, Kenya
52nd Street Project … creates and produces new plays for, and often by, kids ages 9-18 who reside in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City
Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins.

We hope you feel as good about these grants as we do. Thank you so much for supporting us. We’re grateful to have you with us as we carry forward Jonah’s legacy — his zest for living and his passion for goodness — and, together, work to improve the lives of young people everywhere.

Wishing you every goodness,
Ellen, Billy, Katie, Mark and Aiden
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

Billy

billydee

With Your Help, Here’s What We’ve Accomplished So Far In 2023

Campaign for Earthquake Relief … thus far

Thank you for donating to our Earthquake Relief Fund

Hugs

Campaign for Earthquake Relief

JMF Awards Grant to Mississippi River Network

Thank you … to those who, in 2023, have provided funds so we can make a difference in people’s lives

Just “thank you!”

Thanks to all who have contributed to our “Our Second 10 Years!” Campaign

With Your Help, Here’s What We Accomplished In 2022

JMF on Facebook!

JMF on Twitter!

Recent Posts

Archives