DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205,
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
248-354-6060
thejewishnews.com

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.” 

22_END_Centennial_Danto_JNad.indd 1