Merle and James Grandberg honor and build a legacy through named giving
Merle Grandberg’s relationship with and support for 2Life Communities began years ago, when her parents moved to Golda Meir House in Newton shortly before her mother passed away.
“At Golda Meir House, my father became part of a community of people from similar backgrounds. He had a renaissance there,” Merle recalls. “As I saw his life change, I realized this place made a difference and I wanted to be involved.”
Involvement is in Merle’s DNA. As former president of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ Women’s Philanthropy and a longtime Lion of Judah, she has a history of active support for the Boston-area Jewish community. Soon, she was contributing her time and energy to the board of directors of what was then Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly, now 2Life Communities. She served as board chair for several years, and was part of the team that hired 2Life CEO Amy Schectman.
“As a board chair, board member, and 2Life ambassador, Merle’s strong, decisive, and persuasive leadership has played a key role in positioning 2Life to achieve our ambitious goals,” says Donna Kalikow, 2Life board member and former chair. “Merle has an innate gift for connecting with people. She lights up every room she enters and I’m proud to be her friend.”
Over the years, Merle has also been a tireless fundraiser for 2Life. Merle and her husband, James Grandberg, have made generous contributions of their own including a named gift to create the Grand Café at Coleman House. Merle’s aunt lived at Coleman House after moving from subsidized housing in Brockton.
Recently, Merle and James have turned their philanthropic attentions back to where it all started: Golda Meir House, which is currently in the midst of a major expansion. 2Life has launched an active capital campaign to help fund this transformative project, and the couple has made a gift to name the courtyard garden in memory of Merle’s father, Benjamin Lane.
“We liked the concept of the garden, the cycle of life,” Merle said. “It’s a beautiful space where people can see things grow and thrive. We thought it was a fitting way to honor my father, with whom I had a very special relationship.”
James agrees, adding that a named gift is a great way to create a legacy. “To name something for someone you love is a wonderful way to say you have a lot to thank them for, even after they are gone,” he says. “Without the past there would be no future.”
“To name something for someone you love is a wonderful way to say you have a lot to thank them for, even after they are gone,” James Grandberg
Merle and James together with brother Kenneth Grandberg and sister-in-law Marcy D’Agostine have also made a generous gift to name the renovated lobby at Golda Meir House in honor of the Grandberg family.
“It’s a way to pass our name forward to future generations,” James says, noting that his parents established a tradition of philanthropy that they are now continuing. “My brother and I feel very connected to 2Life.”
Merle says it is gratifying to witness 2Life’s growth and success. “To see 2Life Communities evolve into the 21st century has been an exciting thing to be part of.”
“Merle and James are very special people,” says Schectman. “They have been stalwart supporters of 2Life’s mission for decades, enabling us to have such a deep impact. They rejoice in all the ways that life is vibrant and nourishing at 2Life because they care about all older adults in our community. Their kindness and generosity of spirit are exceptional, and Merle is one of the major reasons I chose to come to 2Life. We treasure their involvement and the lasting impact of their philanthropy.”
Would you like to honor a special person in your life?
To learn about named gift opportunities, contact Chief Development Officer Susan Appelbaum at 617-967-8569 or SAppelbaum@2LifeCommunities.org
