Live in: Sherman Oaks
Occupation: After serving in the Navy in WWII, Hy moved to Los Angeles from Lynn, Massachussetts. Miriam arrived here from Chicago and New York. They married in 1948. They owned and operated a metal products manufacturing company. Upon selling the company in 1983, Hy and Miriam retired.
Family details: The Freedmans have two married children - Fay and Daniel, and four grandchildren.
When we joined The Foundation family: Opened a Donor Advised Fund in 1998 and a Charitable Gift Annuity in 2007.
Community involvement: Hy has been active in Los Angeles' Jewish community and the community-at-large for more than 50 years. Hy was honored in 1999 for his years of dedication to The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance, where he has served on the board for more than 10 years, and participated in the Planning and Allocations Committee and virtually every other committee. Hy is also proud of his work on the Bnai Brith Encino Chapter "Bagel Brigade." Twice a week for the past 10 years, Hy is up at 5:30 a.m. and delivers breads and baked goods to the needy. "On average, we pick up 60,000 loaves of bread per month. It makes me feel good." Mickey is actively involved in the sisterhood at their synagogue, Adat Ari El.
Focus of our philanthropy: The Freedmans care deeply about Israel. "Our first trip to Israel was in 1969, just after the Six Day War, and we have traveled to Israel eight more times since." Their philanthropy supports various causes in Israel, as well local charities that support Jewish education, synagogues and the needy.
Why we joined The Foundation family: "Rather than us writing checks all the time, we let The Foundation take care of it for us. At the end of the year, we have an accounting statement from The Foundation that we bring to our accountant. It's very convenient." The Freedmans also set up a Charitable Gift Annuity so that in the future, The Foundation will be recipient of the gift so that their legacy of giving will live on.
Instilling philanthropic values in others: "Tzedakah is a big word around here," the Freedmans explain. Both Hy and Miriam come from families that were active in philanthropy and the community. They made a commitment early on to continue the tradition of their parents. Beginning with their very first jobs, the Freedmans began giving no less than 10% of their income to tzedakah and made this a lifelong practice. "We actively try to instill this legacy of tzedakah into our children and grandkids."
The Development Perspective
The Freedmans exemplify the "Greatest Generation" - they helped build this country, raise a family, and are actively involved in the community. They are kind, thoughtful and caring, and their commitment to helping others is legendary. I am so honored to work with the Freedmans and call them my friends. Since they opened their Donor Advised Fund, they have been able to let us manage all the paperwork so they don't have to worry about anything and can enjoy focusing on giving and volunteering. Perhaps best of all, their Charitable Gift Annuity assures them that their gifts will indeed "keep on giving" long after they're gone.
-Dan Rothblatt, Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Services