On Nov. 1, the Federation hosted its annual endowment event, a legacy community celebration to honor the Kroot family and thank our Endowment and LIFE & LEGACY supporters. Taking place at the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion at Newfields, this year’s event was the first in-person Endowment program in nearly 3 years and was the first time in recent memory that this event took place away from the Jewish Community Campus. This was an
opportunity for the Federation to update community members on the state of the Federation Endowment, formally announce the launch of LIFE & LEGACY PLUS, and honor the Kroot family with the Or l’Dor Award for their commitment to our community l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.

More than 230 people attended the event, making it the largest Federation event of the year and the largest Endowment event ever. Past and present leaders from across the Jewish community were recognized for their service, and attendees heard from various speakers about the impact of the Federation’s Endowment and the need to secure the community’s future. Guests also learned about the Federation’s recently-announced partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation as part of the inaugural LIFE & LEGACY PLUS cohort, a program which provides resources and opportunities for people to make planned gifts to support the Jewish community for generations to come. More information about LIFE & LEGACY PLUS will be available soon through the Federation and multiple agencies and synagogues throughout Greater Indianapolis. Contact Brian Hoffman, JFGI Assistant Director of Development, at bhoffman@jfgi.org with questions.

2022 OR L’DOR RECIPIENTS: THE KROOT FAMILY 

The Kroot Family community imprint began in the Greater Indianapolis area more than 75 years ago. The family-owned scrap metal business started after World War II and their reach and impact grew with each passing decade. Samuel and Florence Kroot demonstrated the values of loyalty, respect and philanthropy through their business, professional and community involvements. These values were passed down l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, first to their son Martin, then to his sons Greg, Barry, and Andrew, and now to their children. Samuel served as president of both the JCC and the Federation, while Florence was involved with the National Council of Jewish Women, a trustee at IHC and a Lion of Judah with the Federation. Martin later served as president of the Federation, Greg recently served the community as president of IHC, and Barry currently serves as Secretary for the Federation.

Across the generations, the family has remained committed to supporting the community and ensuring it is sustained
for the future. The family helped fund the 1990s JCC renovation and in 1986 established the Samuel Kroot Internship Program, which has supported over 100 community members to date and is sustained in perpetuity thanks to generous endowment gifts. In addition, the family has always supported the annual campaign as well as Jewish Family Services seasonal and other special campaigns. The Kroot name is synonymous with community, and the family’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Congratulations to the Kroot Family!