Page 13 - Jewish News_April 2020

FEDERATION NEWS April 2020 13A

Volunteer Spotlight

David Grace: The power of a name

ited this beautiful museum, it is well
worth the trip. Many thanks to Jeremy By Sandy Chase
and Trudi who were congenial and en- avid Grace’s allegiance to also spent countless hours coaching A child of a Holocaust survivor, we gain a new Abacus client, we rein-
thusiastic. Their smiles set the tone for The Jewish Federation of teens to achieve their goals.” David relates how his mother was res- vest the repayment of an earlier KIVA
the day and I can’t wait to take another DSarasota-Manatee, the great- Recently David has been mentor- cued by the Kindertransport program loan to help support entrepreneurship,

field trip.” er community and beyond, helps ex- ing a high school senior for the Sarasota in December 1938. “Each survivor has encourage educational opportunities
Randee Gevertz, who is new to
emplify his name. Like the biblical Education Founda- a unique story, and it and help families obtain emergency
David, who slew Goliath, David Grace tion, which enhances humbles me to learn care, for example – all with the goal of
achieves his goals – perhaps not as gi- students’ potential, of their life’s jour- alleviating worldwide poverty.”
gantic, but nonetheless monumental. promotes teacher ex- neys.” Beginning his career as co-owner
David’s altruistic endeavors include: cellence and inspires Orna Nissan, past of the family wholesale electronics
 Involvement in the Federation’s educational innova- Director of Holocaust company in Glasgow, Scotland, his
Shapiro Teen Engagement Pro- tion. Claiming he’s Education says, “Da- birthplace, he and Fern relocated to
gram (STEP) and past chairman- new to the experi- vid Grace was one of Sarasota in 1997 “for the warmth.”
ship of the Generations After ence, he says, “I’m the most influential Since that time, he has become a

group and other Holocaust survi- trying to understand volunteers for build- member of several local groups, in-
vor programs who I am and how I ing up Generations cluding the Manatee Chamber of Com-
 Financial support of Kiva, an or- can most help.” But After. His focus was merce, Lakewood Ranch Business
ganization supporting U.S. and Federation teens at- always to carry the Alliance, Suncoast Technology Forum
international businesses helping to test to his natural in- torch for future gen- and the Manatee Chamber Technology
Sarasota, said, “The trip to the Imagine

Museum was my first experience with thwart poverty clination. erations and teach Group.
When not volunteering or pursuing
Lael recounts how
the Federation. It was a perfect day.  Mentoring and scoring grant re- David mentored her moral lessons of the his career, David indulges in several
Holocaust through a
quests for the Sarasota Education
Looking forward to more great experi- Foundation daughter Michela and David Grace speakers’ bureau, ed- hobbies such as soccer, drawing and
ences.” To understand David, it’s essential another STEP member, Abby Mount, ucational forums and events.” painting, watching movies, and read-
For more information on Club Fed
Hits the Road and other programs, con- to capitalize on his last name as well. in creating their coexistence event last David says, “Dr. Helen Fagin, the ing about anything electronic or politi-
tact me at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@ Teen and Family Program Coordinator spring, where Sarasota-Manatee high group’s co-founder, was our mentor cal. Whether it’s by volunteering or

schoolers learned about the differences

and Holocaust lecturer. Working with
Andrea Eiffert does so when she talks
jfedsrq.org.

about his commitment to STEP, com- and similarities of one another’s re- her was a privilege. I’m better for it.” helping financially, David Grace em-
prising several signature programs that ligious beliefs and practices during a Focusing on a “grace” period to bodies his name.
educate, engage and empower Jewish Federation forum. pay back loans, locally and globally, If you are interested in volunteering,
teens for future leadership roles. Pointing out that his mentoring further explains David’s altruism. As there are many ways to contribute and
According to Andrea, “David has enabled the two girls to discover their the owner of Abacus Web Services, be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
been a ‘saving grace’ with his involve- own strengths and learn leadership David and his wife Fern provide eration. For more information, please
ment on the STEP committee for the skills, Lael says, “David helped them microloans – stones for the modern contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
past four years. He has pitched in with create one of the most engaging, suc- David’s slingshot – to Kiva. novation and Volunteer Engagement,
everything from chairing events, to sit- cessful Jewish teen programs of that David further explains, “Each time at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.
ting at registration tables, to offering year.”

his thoughtful and insightful perspec- Echoing her mother’s observations
tive on all things teen-related.” about David’s guidance, Michela says,
Past STEP Chair Lael Hazan prais- “I remember that he supported our
es David. “He began volunteering for ideas, helping us grow them.”
STEP when his daughter Mackenzie Before working with STEP, David
started high school. His enthusiasm dedicated himself to Generations After,
and commitment are palpable. Bring- a Federation remembrance group for Join us in our campus re-imagination... jfedsrq.org
On the road with Club Fed ing great ideas to the committee, he has descendants of Holocaust survivors.

Join us as we reimagine our 32 acre campus.
We are JFED Proud & Strong!
THE LARRY AND MAR Y G REENSPON FAMILY CAMPUS FOR JEWISH LIF E
KLINGENSTEIN JEWISH CENT ER | 5 80 MCINTOSH RD, SARASOTA FL 34232 | 941-371-4546 | JFEDSRQ.org

Contact us to learn more.
Howard Tevlowitz Kim Mullins Ilene Fox Rich Bergman
Major Gifts
941.343.2110 941.552.6300 941.343.2111 941.552.6306
htevlowitz@jfedsrq.org kmullins@jfedsrq.org ifox@jfedsrq.org rbergman@jfedsrq.org
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