09/25/2015
Heller Receives Ruby Bass Award
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Award recognizes lifelong commitment and passion for the Jewish Community
Rebecca Heller of Moreland Hills has been named the 2015 recipient of the Ruby Bass Award, honoring her volunteerism and dedication to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Heller was presented with the award at the Federation’s Lion of Judah Annual Dinner on September 24.
Established in memory of Ruby Bass (z”l), the award is given to a woman who honors Ruby’s lifelong passion for the Federation, her commitment to the Women’s Division and fundraising for the Campaign for Jewish Needs, the annual fundraising campaign that ensures our vitality and vibrancy in the year ahead.
“One thing I realized during my work is that you need to go where your heart is,” Heller said. “Women can make a difference, not only locally but also globally. We have these incredible women in our own community who have shown us how we can balance our personal lives and careers, and also do something meaningful for our Jewish community. This is especially important to me because I have two daughters, and I want them to know that women can do great work no matter what. What we do matters.”
Heller’s passion for our Jewish community began when she was just 13 years old and preparing for her Bat Mitzvah, when she volunteered as a candy striper at Menorah Park, a Federation partner agency. Today, she continues to remain active at Menorah Park, as a member of their Board of Trustees. She also serves as a Federation Women’s Division Board Member, a member of the Federation’s National Leadership Cabinet, and a member and officer of the Gross Schechter Day School Board, a local Federation partner agency.
In Heller’s honor, the Ruby Bass Challenge Endowment Fund will make a donation to the Women’s Campaign for the 2016 Campaign for Jewish Needs. This award was established by Ruby Bass’ son Jonathan, his wife Stephany, and her mother Lenore Kessler, who was also Ruby’s dear friend.
Read a Q & A with Becky in her own words.
