Ruttenberg Family Opens Major New Foundation
BIRMINGHAM, ALA -- A major new Supporting Foundation to benefit Jewish life in Birmingham, Israel and throughout the world was opened Dec. 28th by Harold Ruttenberg, CEO of Just For Feet, Inc., his wife, Pam, and their family. The Ruttenberg Family Foundation was started with an initial gift of approximately $3.9 million in assets.
The Ruttenbergs, who came to Birmingham from South Africa in 1977, have built Just For Feet into one of American's major retailing success stories. Specializing in athletic footwear, Just For Feet today is traded publicly on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company has 34 stores in ten states and plans to double that figure shortly.
The Ruttenbergs' work ethic -- Mrs. Ruttenberg still works in one of the company's Birmingham stores -- coupled with Mr. Ruttenberg's creativity, imagination and vision have propelled Just For Feet to the forefront of the athletic shoe retail industry.
Coming to this country as immigrants from South Africa, the Ruttenbergs started out very modestly, with one small store. Since that time, and particularly within the last five years, their company has blossomed into one of the best known and innovative retailers in America.
At the same time, despite their extraordinary business success, the Ruttenbergs have never forgotten their "roots" -- their experiences of coming to this country as immigrants with very little money, and their rich, Jewish heritage which was -- and still is -- one of the most important forces in their lives. Their unique life experience has led them to become major Jewish philanthropists.
The Ruttenberg Family Foundation will work with the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, helping to enrich Jewish life, further Jewish Education and promote Jewish Continuity. The Ruttenbergs, through their Foundation, also are deeply committed to helping all people in need. This new Foundation is a Supporting Foundation of the Birmingham Jewish Federation. The Ruttenbergs envision the Ruttenberg Family Foundation impacting significantly on Jewish life for generations to come. They intend to involve their three children in the Foundation as well.
As a young Zionist in South Africa, Mr. Ruttenberg became passionately committed to the State of Israel. In the late 1960s he journeyed to Israel to participate in the Maccabiah Games -- the international Jewish Olympics -- as a member of the South African cricket team.
Since then, he has remained committed to Israel, believing that Jews must have a secure homeland, and that there must be a safe place for any Jewish immigrant to go at any time.
One of the purposes of the Ruttenbergs Family Foundation will be to enhance the connection between American teenagers and Israel, by underwriting meaningful educational experiences and trips to Israel.
Mr. Ruttenberg also envisions the Ruttenberg Family Foundation further strengthening Jewish life in Birmingham, a community of 5000 Jews. In particular, the Ruttenbergs have expressed an interest in supporting the growth of the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, a community day schools with 100 children, and other new Jewish Education initiatives.
In addition, the Ruttenbergs are deeply interested in helping newcomers adjust to Birmingham. Having bee immigrants themselves, they are particularly sensitive to the difficulties newcomers sometimes face, and they are committed to helping assist in the resettlements and adjustment of newcomers to Birmingham.
Finally, while driven by a passionate commitment to strengthen and perpetuate Judaism and ensure Jewish Continuity, the Ruttenbergs believe deeply in "Tikkun Olam" -- that it also is the responsibility of every Jew to help "repair the world". Hence, funds from the Ruttenberg Family Foundation will be available to assist need families throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area.
A Supporting Foundation -- which enjoys the tax benefits of a public charity -- is an extremely attractive philanthropic vehicle, which allows donors to use their assets for important and innovative charitable purposes.
Board members of the Ruttenberg Family Foundation are Harold Ruttenberg, Chairman; Robert Wabler, Harry Bayer, Wallace Cohen and Joyce Serwitz. Sally Friedman, Executive Director of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, will serve as Secretary.
The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Federation are deeply grateful to the Ruttenberg Family for their generosity and for the creation of this major new philanthropic entity, which will enrich Jewish life permanently and serve as an inspiration for other donors in the years ahead.
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