Profiles in Philanthropy
The Campaign to Transform MorseLife
At MorseLife, we are grateful to our generous philanthropists who have empowered us and future generations to advance our mission and provide leadership in making a difference to seniors of our community who need us today and tomorrow.
They have embraced the ideal outcome of their generosity - that of creating a charitable legacy that supports what matters most to them - in our case, the health and well-being of an incredible wave of aging adults.
The following profiles a sampling of donors who have stepped up from the start to provide leaderships gifts to The Campaign to Transform MorseLife.
These couples, like so many others, have shown their foresight and commitment in supporting this important Campaign – partnering with other donors and MorseLife in bring a vision for the future into focus – that of preparing to meet the needs and demands of new generations of seniors of our community.
Steve and Petra Levin
Petra and Stephen Levin, long time residents of Palm Beach, are involved in a variety of philanthropic endeavors and strongly believe in the concept of giving back to their community, both financially and through personal involvement. Petra serves on the board of the Caron Foundation, one of the most prominent substance abuse treatment centers in the United States, and has chaired the very successful local gala for five consecutive years. Petra is an active supporter of various local charitable and cultural organizations including the American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 211/The Center for Information & Crisis Services, The Simon Wiesenthal Center, American Folk Art Museum, and the Children’s Home Society. Stephen Levin is chairman of the Campaign to Transform MorseLife, with a goal to raise fourteen million dollars. In addition, Stephen is chairman of the board of the Quantum Foundation, Palm Beach County’s largest private charitable foundation, serves on the board of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, former president of Temple Emanu-El in Palm Beach and served on the board of Vanderbilt Law School advisors. Stephen is Chairman of the Board of Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, the largest beer wholesaler in Florida and one of the largest beer distributors in the country.
Beatrice Bloch & Alan Sagner
Life partners Beatrice W. Bloch and Alan Sagner share a passion for making a difference to the lives of seniors of Palm Beach County. Bea, who recently served as MorseLife’s Chairman among other lay leadership roles, has been involved with MorseLife since its beginnings – from leading the Women’s Auxiliary (now Friends of MorseLife), to helping to make important design considerations at The Tradition of the Palm Beaches, to providing input and insights in the development of the strategic plan - vision for the future of MorseLife. Alan, too, has been involved every step of the way since meeting Bea – sharing his wisdom – participating in the many events of the organization and bringing his insights and knowledge to the MorseLife board. Through their leadership gift to The Campaign to Transform MorseLife, Bea and Alan are making a charitable legacy on behalf of seniors who need us now and in the future - they are truly making a difference together. “We both feel that the Jewish ethic of social responsibility guides us in our political and philanthropic activities."
Heinz & Ruthe Eppler
Heinz and Ruthe Eppler were part of MorseLife’s history from the start, and today, their gift toward The Campaign to Transform MorseLife, makes them a part of our future. Heinz Eppler was part of the group of founders who led the charge of the development of Morse Geriatric Center, and he and his wife Ruthe were among those who provided funds to get the project off the ground more than 27 years ago. Heinz was Chairman of the Dedication Committee for its grand opening in 1983 - a high moment in history for the Jewish community in Palm Beach County. He then triumphantly led the Capital Campaign in 1988 which paved the way for the expansion of Morse Geriatric Center to its current 280 bed capacity and the establishment of new services. Heinz and Ruthe Eppler have remained passionate, dedicated and active throughout these 27 years. "As the Jewish community was growing in numbers and aging, it became a passion for us to provide shelter and care for these people in need. To have a geriatric center of quality to meet these needs required support. That is what motivated us."
Norman & Simone Goldblum
Norman and Simone Goldblum embraced the mission of MorseLife almost immediately after moving to Palm Beach 25 years ago. According to Norman, once he sold his pharmaceutical distribution and durable medical equipment businesses and retired here, he was committed to becoming involved with the local Jewish community and doing what he could to “give back.” “Upon my retirement, I was secure and comfortable, and I believed other people also deserved to live their later lives with dignity and respect,” he said. Always an active lay leader, and serving as President of Morse Geriatric Center, Norman always felt the need to “do all we can” to make life better for the elderly of our community.” As they have done throughout the last quarter century, the Goldblums have stepped up to take the lead in helping MorseLife to care for, as they put it, "so many more people in need of us in the near and far future."
The Campaign to Transform MorseLife is an exciting and much-needed undertaking. The need for projects stems from the growth of the population that we serve today and in the coming years. Specifically -
- The senior population in Palm Beach County will increase by 200% over the next 5 to 10 years;
- The need for short term rehabilitation and independent living will double;
- The need for assisted living will triple; and
- The need for home and community-based services will increase by 800%.
The need also reflects the commitment to expand programs based upon demand, and to upgrade our aging facility in a move from an institutional model to a more residential model for the future. The Campaign will make possible a new, 120-bed Short-Term Rehabilitation Center, along with the remodeling and renovation of the nursing home, and the creation of an 80-unit assisted living residence for memory-impaired seniors.
Our heartfelt thanks to so many of you who have already partnered with us in our future and those who are committed to following them in this vital, forward-looking initiative. For more information about The Campaign to Transform MorseLife, call us at (561) 209-6103, or email at foundation@morselife.org