Through Their Centennial Fund Gift, Debbie and Michael
Berger Demonstrate the Power of Vision in Action
A
s longtime donors, volunteers and leaders, Debbie and
Michael Berger represent the full range of involvement and
impact in our Jewish community. Debbie is the consummate
grassroots volunteer, always willing to roll up her sleeves to do
essential ‘on-the-ground’ work, whether it be programming,
fundraising for the Annual Campaign or helping others in need,
such as delivering Meals on Wheels or participating in Mitzvah
Day. Michael is an active Federation and Foundation leader
and board member who currently serves as President of the
JCC, and he is often engaged in complex problem-solving
around the community’s most urgent challenges. Together
they share a deep connection and commitment to Jewish life in
Detroit—values they learned from their parents and have
actively instilled in their own children, Samantha, Jeremy and
Victor. “We’re extremely proud to be a part of the Detroit
community,” notes Michael, “Detroit has been a leader for
communities of our size in the development of new ideas, the
creation of programs, and the ability to garner significant
financial support.”
Now, with their gift to the Centennial Fund, the Bergers are
helping to promote the strength and vitality of the community
long into the future. The Centennial Fund is the central
endowment campaign to ensure the long-term security of
Jewish Detroit. For their commitment, Debbie and Michael
have chosen to create a Perpetual Annual Campaign
Endowment (PACE). While they may later designate some of
the gift to one of their many areas of interest in Jewish life and
welfare, the PACE fund will provide a legacy of ongoing support
for the community, year in and year out. “The Centennial Fund
is really about the future of Jewish Detroit,” they say. “It’s not
about today; it’s about tomorrow.” In this way, the Bergers’
commitment demonstrates both of the fundamental qualities
that characterize them as leaders: Thoughtful and wise vision
as well as active participation. “Our family has felt privileged
and fortunate to be in the Detroit Jewish community,” they say.
“It’s been very good to us, and we want it to be good for those
that come after. The only way to make sure of that is to invest
in the future and continue to give back.”