22 | JUNE 17 • 2021 

OUR COMMUNITY

I

f Micki were here to accept 
this award, she would prob-
ably start out saying that 
she would prefer there wasn’t 
an award to receive because 
Sheri was still here volunteer-
ing.”
These poignant words were 
shared by Marci Grossman 
during the May Annual Meeting 
of the Jewish Community 
Relations Council/American 
Jewish Committee (JCRC/AJC). 
Marci, daughter of the late 
Micki Grossman, was accepting 
the inaugural Sheryl “Sheri” 

Terebelo Schiff Heart of Gold 
Award on behalf of her mother.
Early last year, the commu-
nity lost a beloved member and 
lifelong volunteer in Sheri Schiff. 
Throughout her life, she served 
as either a volunteer or board 
member for countless Jewish, 
women-focused and interfaith 
nonprofits in Metro Detroit, 
including JCRC/AJC. That is 
why the organization knew they 
needed to honor her giving spir-
it following her passing. 
They joined with her hus-
band, Charles, and daughters, 
Carly and Stephanie, to develop 
the Heart of Gold Award in the 
hope to inspire others to give 
of themselves for the benefit of 
Jewish Detroit. More specifi-
cally, the awardee would be an 
unpaid volunteer for any local 
Jewish organization that has not 
only contributed to and for the 
general good of the Jewish com-
munity, but also has demon-

strated dedication, knowledge 
and care in the provision of 
their services. The award could 
be given posthumously.
“What better way to remem-
ber my mother, Sheri Schiff, 
the ultimate volunteer, than to 
honor her memory by applaud-
ing others who have donated 
significant time to our Jewish 
community?” said Carly Schiff 
during the awards ceremony.
Sadly, just days before the 
nomination form was to be 
distributed this past January, the 
community lost Grossman, who 

also served on countless boards, 
including with JCRC/AJC. 
Several nominations came in 
specifically for her and, for the 
Award Committee, choosing 
Grossman, a volunteer extraor-
dinaire, as the inaugural recipi-
ent was both the obvious choice 
and extremely fitting. 
Also speaking about both 
women during the awards 
ceremony in May were Jewish 
Family Service’s CEO Perry 
Ohren and former JCRC 
President Jeannie Weiner.
“Micki was a force of nature!” 
Ohren said. “She showed up 
decades ago at JFS with her 
sleeves rolled up, started doing 
and never stopped … While she 
understood the importance of 
boards and fundraising and the 
like, Micki’s real currency was 
her heart and her hands, always 
ready, willing and able to do.
” 
During her acceptance 
remarks, Marci Grossman said, 

“She passionately loved her 
volunteer engagements, and 
the people she volunteered 
with and for. She lived tikkun 
olam … She would sit in board 
meetings, mentor volunteers, 
tutor students, pack boxes, rake 
leaves, serve food, whatever it 
took with the same energy and 
passion — 100%. 
“Micki would implore you 
to continue reaching out, to 
connect with more volunteers, 

and to support more people and 
communities that would benefit 
from your assistance to make 
their lives better. Together we 
can repair the world.
”
Both women are and will 
always be greatly missed.
Nominations for the second 
annual Sheryl “Sheri” Terebelo 
Schiff Heart of Gold Award will 
be accepted in early 2022 and 
awarded at JCRC/AJC’s May 
2022 Annual Meeting. 

The late Micki Grossman receives inaugural volunteer award.
Heart of Gold

LAUREN GARFIELD-HERRIN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Sheri Schiff 
and Micki 
Grossman 
flank a 
woman at 
an interfaith 
event.

Micki Grossman

JCRC/AJC
JCRC/AJC

