STEVE FOLDES

"For of those to whom much is given, much is required." Favored by John F. Kennedy, this quote has always resonated with Steve Foldes, the immediate Past Chair of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. "My wife, Nadine, and I have so much to be thankful for, and we feel a responsibility to give back to our community. And it begins with Jews helping Jews."

As the child and grandchild of Holocaust Survivors, Steve's family history has influenced both his Jewish identity and charitable giving. His and Nadine's community involvement began nearly 25 years ago, in the South Dade Jewish community, through the Dave and Mary Alper JCC and Temple Beth Am. It was through a community mission to Israel, the Mega Mission II, that they became involved with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

Steve's involvement in the Foundation first began as Chair of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's Investment Committee. In that role, he co-founded the Jewish Federations of North America's Investment Institute, which brings together leadership from Jewish Federations all over North America to learn from the experts about a variety of cutting-edge investment topics. His involvement deepened when he made his wife, Nadine, a Forever Lion in honor of her 60 ^th birthday in 2013. The following year they established the Foldes Family Philanthropic Foundation as a meaningful way to involve their children, Tracy, Adam, and Craig, and their families, in charitable giving.

In 2017, Steve became Chair of the Foundation. Under his leadership, the Foundation had set a very ambitious goal to close 90 new legacy commitments at $100,000 or more as part of a three-year strategic plan that came out of the FRD Taskforce intended to dramatically increase the Pacesetters' investment in The Foundation.

Thanks to Steve's leadership and unwavering commitment, that goal has been surpassed with 93 legacy commitments totaling over $28 million in current gifts and estimated expectancies. "It's incredible that we were able to achieve such a lofty goal, especially during COVID, when we weren't able to engage with donors face-to-face. We are so indebted to Steve's gentle persistence to ensure that Miami's Jewish community remains strong and vibrant far into the future," said Sidney Pertnoy, The Foundation's current Board Chair.

To read more about Steve's Jewish story in Miami's Book of Life, please click here - Foldes Book of Life Story

To read other donor stories, check out our Book of Life .