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Through the Centennial Fund, Joanne Danto Continues
to Set an Example for Future Generations.

One of the most profound lessons that Betty and
Marvin Danto shared with their daughter Joanne and her
siblings, Jim and Gail, was the importance of setting an
example for future generations. Marvin himself set a
powerful example as a Jewish leader and philanthropist
who made a transformative difference in the community.
Following his inspiration, Joanne, along with her husband,
Arnold Weingarden, have supported a diverse range of
institutions across the Jewish and general community.
“I’m just so grateful that I’m in a position to be doing what
I’m doing and to be setting an example for my daughter
and grandchildren,
” Joanne says. “I feel like I’m carrying
the torch forward for my father.” In particular, they have
focused on educational, cultural and medical causes,
including a number of local Jewish agencies, the DSO,
Detroit Opera House, Michigan Medicine, Beaumont,
Henry Ford Health System and the Interlochen Center
for the Arts.

Throughout, Joanne remains closely involved in the
causes they support, valuing the personal connections
and collaborative spirit of her work. Now, with her
commitment to the Centennial Fund, Joanne continues
her family’s legacy by demonstrating a philanthropic
vision that will stand as an example for the next generation.
One of the several beneficiaries of the fund will be Hebrew
Free Loan (HFL), an organization with whom Joanne—like
her father—feels a deep connection. “My father’s family
received a loan from HFL back in the 1930s, when he was
16 and they had fallen on hard times,
” she notes. “It saved
their lives, and so, growing up, I learned about what a
great institution it was.” She will also be establishing a
PACE Fund (Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment),
so that future leaders can respond to needs as they arise.
“My father always said that the giver is actually the biggest
receiver,
” says Joanne, reflecting on her experience as a
donor, “and it’s so true.”

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