Friends of Cedar Village Award
L: Dianne Cummins
R: Pearl Schwartz z” l
Founded in 1997 when Cedar Village opened—through the merger of auxiliaries from the Orthodox Jewish Home and Glen Manor—the Friends of Cedar Village became a vital force in enriching the lives of residents. From an initial $250,000 pledge to support dementia care, to funding a handicap-accessible van, the organization consistently focused on dignity, connection, and joy. Among its most visible and enduring contributions was the Sadye and Albert Harris Gift Shop, which evolved into a central hub of life within Cedar Village. After nearly three decades of devoted service to Jewish seniors in Greater Cincinnati, The Friends of Cedar Village formally dissolved in 2025, transferring its remaining assets to The Foundation for Cincinnati Jewish Seniors (FCJS). The transition ensures that the organization’s legacy of compassion, community, and care will continue to benefit local seniors for generations to come. That handoff will take the form of a new annual grant: the Friends of Cedar Village Award, created by FCJS in honor of Pearl Schwartz, of blessed memory, Dianne Cummins, and Carol Leshner, of blessed memory. The $10,000 annual award will recognize local organizations that exemplify enhancing the quality of life for Jewish seniors—continuing the Friends’ core mission.
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