Submitted by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Twenty-six local philanthropists were recently honored at the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council’s 25th Annual Voices of Giving Awards for their generous planned gifts to 17 local causes. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati were thrilled to honor three of their community members, including Strauss Troy Senior Attorney, Jim Heldman, and his wife, Wendy Saunders.
Jim’s family has been a central part of the Cincinnati Jewish community for more than 150 years. Jim and Wendy have called Cincinnati home, together, since 1981. Since their move back, they have been active members of the Jewish community. Jim has been active on countless boards and committees, including currently serving on the Federation’s Board of Trustees and Planned Giving and Endowment Leadership Committee. Wendy has enjoyed engaging with the community, including serving a term on Amberley Village Council and helping a newly arrived Russian family adapt to life in Cincinnati.
Together, Jim and Wendy have supported a multitude of Jewish causes and organizations, encompassing what it means to be a true advocate, serving the community today, but also having the foresight to understand the importance of legacy giving to building a stronger community in the future. Their decision to leave a portion of their estate to fund a legacy gift will perpetuate their annual generosity to the Jewish community, including the Federation. Their decision to establish an endowment fund at the Jewish Federation means their generosity will continue to support the fabric of the Jewish community.
Jim stated, “As a fourth-generation member of the Jewish community in Cincinnati, Wendy and I have always deeply appreciated the importance of the vitality and long-term continuity of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati as it builds a flourishing, diverse Jewish community for future generations.”
