Page 12 - Jewish News_December 2021

12A December 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight
Where

Larry Haspel: Hitting a hole-in-one for our community Where

Wayne is confident that Larry will Your Your
By Sandy Chase
lthough Larry Haspel isn’t on Event-Conference Center was born, for Larry. His tenacity, brilliance and tion-cost escalation.”
the golf course as often as he with Larry as chair. experience with campus development
Dollars
Aenvisioned for his retirement Praise resounds from current sub- have been a lifesaver.” help see this project to fruition. “He’s
from an illustrious medical career, committee members CEO Shep En- Exemplifying Rich’s praise, Larry been a wonderful mentor to Federation Dollars
GOLF is still his focus. He: glander, Chief Operating Officer Kim says, “We have most of the design for with his incredible business acumen.”
Go
‹ Gives countless hours and ex- Adler, Board President Randon Carvel the Catering Center/Banquet Hall in Larry has rewarded Federation
pertise as hospital administrator, and Campus Construction Team Lead- the MEC. Now we have to get pricing and our community. Federation board Go
chairing the Morganroth Event er Wayne Ruben. on the most cost-effective model.” member David Chaifetz summarizes,
Center (MEC) subcommittee for Kim says, “As my project partner “He’s a superb decision-maker, fo-
The Jewish Federation of Sara- since February 2018, he’s dedicated cusing on critical facts, applying great
sota-Manatee hundreds of hours. His intelligence and judgment and drawing conclusions.
‹ Offers meaningful friendships experience as the CEO of non-profit Then he uses his people skills to per-
‹ Lives tzedakah and Tikkun Olam hospitals are invaluable.” suade others to agree.”
‹ Fosters community support of Why his involvement? Larry’s Larry thrives on friendships. His
young and old two-word response fortifies his ded- reward as committee chair is multifold. College Scholarships Report
And the Federation and our com- ication: “I’m Jewish.... And my wife “I’m living my mantra (Emerson’s
munity are the winners. Debbie, a past Federation board mem- quote). Volunteering has gifted me
Larry’s “tee” is Ralph Waldo ber, convinced me to help develop the with wonderful friends.”
Emerson’s quote, “The gift is for the campus.” The Haspels have been recognized
giver,” enabling him to score each time Opportunities abound, as Larry for their benevolence, although they
as role model for his six children (al- sees the MEC as central to Federation’s try to be anonymous, “unless,” accord-
though Dori passed a few years ago) mission to educate and bring Jews to- ing to Larry, “our name encourages
and five grandchildren, one who’s in gether. “It’s the hub, the place where others to give.”
the Israel Defense Forces. we can enhance community engage- He and Debbie were honored by
Larry became involved with Fed- ment.” Larry Haspel American Jewish Committee in 2013
eration through philanthropy and by Planning for the future is para- He, Kim and Wayne are also nego- with the Human Relations Award. Lar-
serving on the Campus Utilization mount to Larry. “We must design ac- tiating with a major national and inter- ry serves on its regional and national
Committee. As past president of the tivities that bring Jews together to national caterer. boards. In 2020, he received Feder-
Asolo Board of Directors, he had expe- celebrate simchas, offer educational These successes are even more ation’s Yad Chazakah (Strong Hand)
rience with the building of a rehearsal programs and invite national speak- impressive given Covid challenges, Award.
hall and the expansion of the theatre ers. The MEC, comprising six-to-eight causing construction costs to skyrocket When Larry says, “I was reborn
campus. breakout rooms and a large Catering because the supply-chain disruptions when we retired here,” he’s not talking
Applying his knowledge of con- Center/Banquet Hall, provides the per- have increased expenses for building about playing golf. He’s referring to his
ducting capital projects, he recom- fect venue.” structures. passion for tzedakah and Tikkun Olam.
mended building a new conference Rich Bergman, Major Gift Officer, “The enormous challenge,” Lar- Since relocating from Chicago
center to replace Federation’s outdated says, “I don’t know whether this center ry says, “is that past donations are no in 2009, he’s also been involved with
Beatrice Friedman Theatre. Thus, the project would’ve happened if it weren’t longer adequate because of construc- continued on next page

Where YOU belong Volunteer Spotlight...continued from previous page

The Larry & Mary Greenspon
Family Campus for Jewish Life will be a
gathering place for the entire Sarasota-

Manatee community to enjoy. Modern spaces

for meetings and special events; programs that
educate, entertain and inspire; over 16 acres for

day camp, aquatics and tennis — this is the place
WHERE YOU BELONG.

To learn how you can get involved in our reimagined
campus, please visit JFEDSRQ.org/ProudStrong.

McINTOSH ROAD, SARASOTA