Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina

Erskine Bowles joins the campaign
for Down Home

“I was greatly moved by Down Home. Growing up in Greensboro and knowing so well so many of the Jewish families that have made North Carolina the great State it is, all I could think about as I watched the video is what a shame it is that this film wasn't made 20 years ago .We need to do it now before we lose any more important stories. I'm delighted to have a chance to make a significant contribution to this effort and hope others will join me in doing so.”

- Erskine Bowles, President, The University of North Carolina

Dear Friends,

A reception hosted by UNC System President Erskine Bowles in support of Down Home took place Tuesday October 30 at the UNC President’s house in Chapel Hill, and was perhaps a once in a lifetime event, with President Bowles, former UNC System President Bill Friday and Governor Jim Hunt all coming together in support of a Jewish project!

President Bowles welcomed the over 70 attendees to his "government housing" and spoke about how important the project is to the state as well as to himself personally. It was unfortunate, he noted, that Down Home hadn't been produced 20 years ago, when Jewish members of the community, so instrumental in his own development, would have been alive to share their stories as well as enjoy the project. Bill Friday reminisced about his days as President of the University and the 30 years he lived in the Franklin Street House and of the relevance and importance the Jewish citizens of North Carolina have played in the progressive development of the state. Governor Hunt spoke eloquently, as always, of the importance and impact that the Jewish story in North Carolina can have on our present citizens and of the ever-increasing multicultural character of the state we live in, and that we should all come together to generously support the Down Home project now.

The audience included state treasurer and candidate for governor, Richard Moore and his wife Noel, Larry Wheeler, Director of the NC Museum of Art, JHFNC Board Members Frank Block, Stan Fox, Rose Boyarsky, Lenny Samet, Sara Lee Saperstein, Stan Greenspon, and Leslie Winner. Ron Bernstein, who made the original introduction for us to Erskine, also attended with his wife Anne.

As you know, Leslie Winner has just been appointed the incoming Executive Director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Erskine spoke at some length about her remarkable skills and how fortunate we are to have her on our board.

Please continue your support for the project, we are within reach of our goal, and every gift makes a difference in reaching that goal. The end of the year is a time to consider making a tax-deductible gift, make sure we are part of the consideration. More photographs from the event can be viewed below.

		Governor Hunt Honorary Chair "Down Home" Project “I am honored to be the Honorary Chairman of this project and sincerely believe that 'Down Home' is not only good for North Carolina’s Jewish community but is equally important for the entire state. Our Jewish citizens are a shining example of what makes North Carolina the remarkable state that it is, and everyone should know about it. It is a model of what all of us should strive toward.” -Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.
		For more information, click here.
		A Story Worth Telling Our State North Carolina Magazine’s September issue includes an article by David Schulman about the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina. The story on page 176, A Story Worth Telling, is a story worth reading. We urge you to look for the magazine at you local newsstand. Tell your friends and acquaintances about it too. The State has been around since 1933 and was purchased by Mann Media in 1996 and relocated its offices in Greensboro. When offered the opportunity to purchase The State, “I saw an opportunity to enhance a magazine that already has loyal and caring audience,” says Bernard Mann, publisher. Bobbie and Bernie Mann have been long time supporters of JHFNC and we are privileged to have an article about the JHFNC and its works published in Our State North Carolina Magazine
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		Who's supporting the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina? Download a list of our donations and pledges to date.


		Help us make history! Download the Down Home donor form to send a contibution or make a donation online.

		Are you celebrating a Special Simcha soon? Suggest that family and friends make a donation in your honor to the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina.

		Rogoff Nominated Southern Jewish Historical Society President-elect JHFNC historian Leonard Rogoff, who is also the current editor of The Rambler, the newsletter of the Southern Jewish Historical Society, has just been nominated president-elect of the Southern Jewish Historical Society and will take over in 2009, when the SJHS holds its annual conference in Chapel Hill. $250,000 Challenge Grant Announced by Sandra and Leon Levine We are very pleased and honored that Sandra and Leon Levine of Charlotte have graciously announced a challenge grant in support of the "Down Home" Project. The Levines will contribute an extra dollor for every three dollars raised, up to a maximum of $250,000, so your gift is worth 25% more thanks to the Levine's generosity. Please join them in their generous support to help create the Down Home Jewish Life in North Carolina Project.