Zuckerman Family Gives Back to Support Jewish Community Needs

Lois and Dave Zuckerman

Dave and Lois Zuckerman didn't grow up here. They didn't go to high school here. And when they came to St. Louis, they thought it would just be for 18 months. That was 38 years ago.

But the Zuckermans were immediately active participants in the Jewish community. As a young family, they were involved with Shaare Emeth and later joined Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community. Their children swam at The J and worked as lifeguards. Over the years they received scholarships from the Jewish community to help their children attend Jewish summer camps and Jewish youth group conventions.

Dave would go on to work 18 years at McDonnell Douglas and then start his own company. While the family always contributed to Jewish organizations, their giving got more complicated.

"We would get to the end of the calendar year, and I've got to figure out my taxes. Two weeks. It was always chaos," Dave recalls. "And then along came the donor advised funds. I thought, 'This is going to make our lives 1,000 times easier.' All of a sudden this was a huge relief."

The Zuckermans, who have started their own not-for-profit, Mentors 4 College, know that there are many needs in our community. Contributing to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis through donor advised funds was a way for them to give without the work of having to evaluate where best to put their money.

"I think it's really nice that we can support the Jewish community, and it's convenient," Lois says. "We get a stack of envelopes in the mail looking for contributions. By giving to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, which evaluates organizations and distributes funds, everyone wins. In addition, with our donor advised fund we can support specific organizations that are close to our hearts."

They also know that it's been important for their children to see them giving. "I feel like it's our responsibility," Dave says. "When we were a young family we were helped. Now, we are paying it back. When everyone pitches in, then it's there for everyone who needs it."

Support What Matters Most to You

It's easy to turn your donor advised fund into a lasting legacy to preserve and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel, and around the world. Contact Shelly Azar at 314-442-3829 or [email protected] to discuss opening a donor advised fund at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.