STROLL March 2024
Q&A with Barry and Joan Winograd:
A Successful Partnership with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
Every philanthropist has a mission that touches his or her heart. For Joan and Barry Winograd, their heartfelt passion for Jewish people has led to a productive and meaningful partnership with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. STROLL delved a bit deeper into why and how the Winograds’ relationship with their local Federation has been so worthwhile.
Q: Why did you decide to become involved in the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County?
Joan and Barry: We were both involved in Jewish Federation in New York City before we moved here; therefore, there was no question we would be involved. We feel very strongly about the Federation mission. There are many worthy causes, but Jewish causes are supported primarily by Jews.
Q: What is one of your favorite moments or memories involved in Federation?
Joan: I cherish the relationships I have made through Jewish Federation at St. Andrews, as well as in the broader Boca Raton community. When I recently attended the Lion of Judah luncheon there were 400 women. I can only describe the feeling being with like-minded people, whose values are compatible with mine, as being incredibly empowering.
Barry: It was a great moment for me to realize I had become a significant lay leader, i.e., Treasurer in this vital organization. My strong feeling is reinforced when I look at the beautiful Federation campus, clearly unique among the various Federations in the country.*
*The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is located on a 100-acre campus that also serves as home for several of its partner agencies, including the Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, JARC, Sinai Residences, the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, Katz Hillel Day School and Katz Yeshiva High School.
Q to Joan: I understand you have traveled on a Federation Mission. What was that like for you?
Joan: I traveled on the Social Justice Mission through Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach, and it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. We met leaders in the Civil Rights movement, as well as people who crossed The Edmund Pettus Bridge (in Selma, Alabama) during Bloody Sunday. Everyone who was on the mission with me were emotionally moved, as well. When we see each other from St. Andrews (several of us went), we still feel connected to one another!
Q for Barry: As Treasurer of Federation, what do you see as some of the most important issues facing our community and Jewish world now and in the future?
Barry: As Treasurer, I have a broad view of the challenges in meeting today’s needs, as well as ensuring the ability to meet needs in perpetuity. There are many aspects to this, including changing demographics, needs for endowment, all the while responding to urgent current needs, both in the local community, as well as overseas.
Q: How do you feel about when you see your dollars in action?
Joan: Being involved with the allocations process, I see, firsthand, how our dollars impact so many issues, such as preserving Holocaust survivors’ testimony; Hillel programming and advocacy, which is so important now because of recent events; childcare to help our working parents, since both parents working is more relevant now because of the toll of Covid; Birthright; and the list goes on and on.
Barry: Given my role as Treasurer, I have a birds’ eye view of where money goes, how money is invested in the future, and, of course, how we maintain and operate our diverse, tremendous campus.
Q: How do you think your children are impacted by your involvement in Federation?
Joan: As you all know, being a parent is the hardest job in the world, and I am sure we made our share of mistakes! But we feel very strongly in terms of parenting, it’s not what you say it’s what you do. Both of our children saw our involvement in Federation from a very early age, as well as seeing how involved we are in Federation in South Palm Beach, Florida.
Barry: We are proud to say that our son is involved in Jewish Federation in New York City, and our daughter is involved in Jewish Federation in Los Angeles.