On September 8, over 130 major donors and community leaders gathered at Matthaei Botanical Gardens to kick off the Jewish Federation’s 2020 Annual Community Campaign. Retired Senator Carl Levin was the featured speaker and was interviewed by Federation board member Jessica “Decky” Alexander. 

Senator Levin spoke about his grave concern for this country in this time of divisiveness and hatred and about the Jewish values of pursuing justice and welcoming the stranger he was taught by his parents that inspired his life of public service. 

When asked by Alexander about what he considered to be his most significant contributions in his career, Senator Levin said that he was most proud of the way he approached his duties. He was thoughtful, open and listened to a range of opinions. Then, he would make decisions based on what he thought was best for the country or his constituents, even if was not popular. Some specific initiatives about which he is most proud included saving the auto industry in the 2008 recovery package, opening three National Parks in Michigan, and participating in bi-partisan subcommittees that investigated wrong-doing on the part of major corporations.

The Major Gifts Event was chaired by Bob and Judy Marans and Donny and Sara Wohl. They were joined on the planning committee by Carol and Gideon Hoffer and Marla and Josh Chinsky. Glacier Hills Senior Living Community was the corporate sponsor. The event raised over $330,000 for the 2020 Annual Community Campaign and another $22,200 toward the Community Security Campaign.

For more information about supporting the community through these two campaigns, contact Federation Chief Development Officer Sharyn Gallatin at 734-773-3533.