 |
|
|
|
|
DONORS
WHO GIVE: CATHY AND JOHN WEIL
When John and Cathy met on a blind date in 1988, they never dreamed they
would have such similar Jewish backgrounds and memories in common. When
they became engaged, Cathy remembers kidding John that she was a "catch" as
she had already paid off her Temple Building Fund. Now, after 18 years
together, they are publicly taking their CBI commitment to a higher level.
Growing up in Great Neck, N.Y., John was active in his youth group, sang in the
choir and was proud of his mother's activity in Sisterhood and his father's leadership
on the Board. He remembers with excitement traveling to London as a teen for
World Union of Federated Temple Youth and of his mother taking him to Lake Success,
in 1947, for a monumental meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. It
was the meeting at which the partition of Palestine was approved that lead to
the establishment of Israel.
Cathy grew up in Los Angeles, was confirmed at, and very active with her mother
(Freda Magid) at, University Synagogue. “Mom was the only woman on the
Temple Board, later Sisterhood president, and on the National Board of Sisterhoods
(WRJ). We visited many Southern California Reform congregations for her National
role as a Regional consultant. One was CBI at Third and Laurel. We were graciously
welcomed.
“Together in 1966, we attended the World Union of Reform Jews in London
and then in 1968 had the unbelievable opportunity to return for World Union but
this time spending 10 days in Israel staying in newly reunited Jerusalem. I returned
to CBI as a college student at SDSU and found that there were open arms to welcome
all generations. When mom moved to San Diego she became active on the CBI Social
Action Committee, even drove carpool to Hebrew School. There was never a doubt
that this would be the congregation we would call home.”
In 1973, when John moved to San Diego, he blended into the secular community
and describes himself as a “quiet” non-affiliated Jew. He has served
on the Board of Rebuilding Together and continues on the Boards of Elder Law
and Advocacy and SDSU’s Border Voices. John and Cathy will always remember
going to Israel in 1998 for the Fiftieth Anniversary Jubilee and experiencing
the pride of being Jewish with people from all over the world.
John is currently active in the Jewish community serving nine years on the Agency
for Jewish Education Board, working on their ELI endowment program and now stepping
up to help CBI with endowment for the Dor L’ Dor solicitations. John is
excited about encouraging members to give from the heart and provide security
for CBI’s future programming and sustenance. As a financial advisor professionally,
John is acutely aware of the personal and familial benefits as well as the great
feeling and pride that comes from planned giving. “I am an optimist,” he
says. “I truly think we can double or even triple the CBI endowment fund
over the next few years. People need to hear that no gift is too small to make
a difference.”
“I joined CBI as a single parent, 25 years ago, making friends that will
last a lifetime” Cathy states. “My daughter (Jamie Babin) and I were
encouraged by staff to feel at home and get involved. Jamie became a bat mitzvah,
was confirmed, and maintains warm feelings for CBI and her Jewish friends made
at Temple. We involved Jamie in our giving decision. She thinks the endowment
process instills family pride and a tradition of tzedakah she can pass on to
her children.”
Cathy has served on the Hillel Board of Directors for 10 years and now Jewish
Family Services. Previously she served on the founding Steering Committee of
Career Women’s Network and has been Chair of the Kehillah Committee. Cathy
also was President of the SDSU Jewish Aztecs Alumni Chapter.
“I remember growing up hearing anti-Semitic comments from classmates and
took comfort in knowing that I had my synagogue niche for education and spirituality
to balance out those hurtful experiences.” As a clinical social worker,
experienced in the field of medical social work, working with children who have
special needs and with seniors, she is interested in personally designating endowment
at CBI to support programs in those areas.
“It is my hope that our financial gift will be able to assist members with
disabilities and the frail elderly. At first I was hesitant about coming forward
publicly with this article,” Cathy admits, “but if we can reach others,
members of all ages and circumstances, letting them know that every gift is important
and respected, then we have accomplished our goal.”
Please add your name to this growing list and help us plant for generations to
come. You may complete and return the form on the next page or call Stuart Simmons
at (858) 535-1111, ext. 3113.
Return to Donors Who Give go to top
|
|
|
|
