Giving Back
HILLARY
Jack, I am always impressed with the number of charities that you work with, and the endowments that you create. You really are a role model to others when it comes to philanthropy. How did you first start to give back as you do, and what are you working on now?
JACK
As far back as I can remember I have believed that people have the obligation to help each other. I was born into very poor circumstances. We lived on the lower East Side of New York, which was then considered a "slum" area. Actually, it was a nesting place for thousands of immigrants from Eastern Europe. In spite of the fact that we were very poor, we were never hungry. My Mother was one of those remarkable people who always found a way to feed her family. But the thing that I remember most vividly, that sank into my mind, was that there was actually a neighbor that was poorer than us. When my mother made a pot of soup, she made twice as much and half of it went to the Ray boys, our neighbors. I guess the idea of sharing good fortune is something that was embedded in me very early on, and I can thank my Mother for this — she was a remarkable woman. The fact is that there is no such thing as an unselfish act, and in all of my charitable activities I get back a great deal of satisfaction and good feelings.
One of the activities that I am very proud of is something called "Keep the Music Playing". This is part of the Nadel Foundation, whose mission is to provide a show (entertainment) for fundraising activities. We say, "We put the FUN into fundraising!" but actually it’s more than that. The act of providing entertainment contributes greatly to the raising of funds for worthy causes. On June 12, we are staging a cabaret concert at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara (680 seats) and all proceeds go to American Cancer Society and Sansum Medical Clinic. This is a remarkable clinic, comparable to the Mayo or Scripps Clinic. Three very good friends, who are contributing their time and talent, will perform the concert. They are: Amanda McBroom, who wrote "The Rose", George Ball, who just came off the starring role in "The Man from LaMancha," and our artistic director and entertainer, Joel Silberman. The Nadel Foundation is paying for all expenses, including the Patron’s Reception. ($1000 donors) Every dollar in ticket sales goes to the two charities. The excitement in producing a great show for a great cause gives me an enormous amount of personal pleasure.
HILLARY
It sounds like a great opportunity for people to contribute to a worth cause while having a good time! Are there tickets left, and where does one go to get them?
JACK
There are tickets left, and to get more information go to www.loberotheatre.com
HILLARY
Jack I think it’s amazing that you have chosen to put your pseudo-retirement and great resources towards helping your community and giving back. For those who cannot give in this way, as I imagine you could not in your younger days, how would you suggest one gets started in a life of philanthropy?
JACK
My belief system is that you are never too young or too old. And if you’ve been fortunate enough to make a few bucks in your lifetime, your philanthropy becomes part of your legacy. In my case, since I’ve spent a lifetime in sales, promotion and marketing, I like to expand the amount received by charities by using the skills developed in the competitive markets of the world.
HILLARY
So I think that means to use your talents and expertise, whatever they may be, to help the people around you.
JACK
I can only be thankful that I have the energy and the resources to be this deeply and busily involved at the age of 83. And I think that everyone should remember that caskets have no pockets so do something good with your legacy.
Communication is inspiration! Share your thoughts below.
Leave a reply
