DONNA YANOWITZ RECEIVES SECOND ANNUAL RUBY BASS CHALLENGE AWARD

CLEVELAND – (October 22, 2009) Donna Yanowitz of Pepper Pike became the second recipient of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland Women's Division's Ruby Bass Challenge Award, at the Lion of Judah event on October 14. Lions of Judah are women who make individual gifts of $5,000 or more to the Federation’s annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. The annual award, established in memory of Ruby Bass by her son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Stephany Bass, and Stephany's mother, Lenore Kessler, recognizes Ruby's lifelong passion for and commitment to the Federation and the Women’s Division. Ruby recruited more Lions of Judah than any other campaigner in Federation history. She said it was important to think of others and make a difference.

The award honors Donna for her years of dedication to the Women's Division and commitment to the community. Donna was chair of the board of Siegal College for four years and currently serves on that board and the board of Gross Schechter Day School. She also served for several years on the New Programs Committee of United Way. Donna has been involved with the Federation in several capacities including: on the board of trustees, as a member of numerous committees and as chair of the Women’s Division from 1987 to 1989. She continues to play an active role with the Women's Division and is one of its most effective solicitors. Donna established a Lion of Judah Endowment Fund and is a role model for other women and family members, many of whom are community leaders. In honor of Donna, the Ruby Bass Challenge Endowment Fund has made a donation to the Women’s Division for the Campaign for Jewish Needs.

Media Contact: Hyla Winston
Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland
1750 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216. 566.9200, ext. 251; fax 216.861.1230
e-mail: hwinston@jcfcleve.org