Daytona Beach, Florida – The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties are delighted to announce a significant milestone in their efforts to honor the late Gloria Max, former Executive Director of the Jewish Federation. Thanks to a generous $20,000 contribution from Lowell and Nancy Lohman, the endowment has surpassed $500,000 in donations, marking a monumental tribute to Gloria Max’s enduring legacy.
Through partnerships with local non-profits the fund will provide an emergency grant every week – up to 52 families each year – of almost $400 to meet the needs of local families struggling to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. It aims to offer financial support for emergency situations jeopardizing a family’s housing, food security, medical care, transportation, and other vital needs.
“We are honored to play a part in supporting Gloria Max’s legacy. Gloria was an icon whose impact in this community was immeasurable. Her leadership and role as a mentor lives on, as she continues to inspire Larry Frank and others to champion the Someone Cares Fund initiative.” said Nancy Lohman, when presenting the check to the Foundation.
In 2021, following Gloria’s passing, local philanthropists Andrea and Larry Frank created Someone Cares: An Endowment in Honor of Gloria and Ray Max and promised to match the first $250,000 contributed to the fund. This Field of Interest endowment stands as a tribute to Gloria Max’s profound impact on the community, particularly her dedication to assisting local families in need.
“The purpose of this fund was to continue Gloria’s legacy and to keep funding her work for generations to come. Thanks to the support of so many in our community, this fund will generate tens of thousands of dollars every year to ensure that the work that Gloria cherished continues forever.” said Mr. Frank
The Lohman’s contribution completes the match challenge set by Andrea and Larry Frank when they established the fund, meaning more than half a million dollars has been raised for the fund.
Gloria’s legacy has inspired donors from across our community to keep supporting local families during their hardest times. We’ve seen incredibly generous donations from renowned local philanthropists such as the Lohman Family, the Frank Family, Preston Root and the Estate of Big John, and other local philanthropic families.
“We are immensely grateful to all of the philanthropists in our community that have not only made contributions to help keep Gloria’s legacy alive, but will also provide hundreds of families in our community with emergency resources to help them survive,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President and CEO of Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.
Help us to continue to honor the legacy of Gloria Max, and help support local families in need, by contributing to Someone Cares: An Endowment in honor of Gloria and Ray Max today. Visit or click to donate today https://bit.ly/someonecaresfund. If you’d like more information on leaving a legacy contribution or gift of stock to Someone Cares, please call us at 386-405-5745.
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The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties are dedicated to building a united foundation in the community by helping those in need. In 2022-2023 CF UWVFC invested $2.5 Million in 120 non-profits serving Flagler and Volusia Counties and had a total impact of nearly $9 Million on the community. For more information, please visit the website www.UnitedWayVFC.org or call 2-1-1 (386-253-0564) if you or someone you know needs help or wants to learn how to Give, Advocate, or Volunteer.
