|
Richard
Maize Foundation Expands Philanthropy To Israel
By Larry
Butchins Tel Aviv, Israel ---- August 17, 2009 ..... The past year has been an active one for the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation. The many organizations and causes in both the US and Israel in which they have supported during over the past 18 months – and which they continue to actively support – provide a glimpse into the social responsibility approach of Richard Maize, a prominent Los Angeles real estate developer, and his family. Through their philanthropic foundation, Rochelle and Richard Maize are dedicated to supporting worthwhile organizations in the US and Israel that give people “the chance to live healthier and happier lives,” according to Richard Maize. The Maize family generously contributes time and financial resources to community organizations which cover health, welfare, young leadership, the environment, art and culture. These include the Los Angeles Police Foundation, American Cancer Society, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Camp Harmony, Greystone Mansion and many others. “We are trying to facilitate an appreciation and understanding of the role that creativity plays in our lives, alongside support for vital institutions,” Richard Maize stated. As an example of the activities of the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is the generous support of the Sheryl Weissberg Lymphoma Research Foundation. The Maizes funded research for clinical trials and research conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Tower Cancer Research Foundation. “We wholeheartedly support research and treatment for lymphoma, one of the most devastating cancers,” said Richard Maize. “Together with partner organizations and individuals, we want to be able to say that this disease has been eliminated and is now a disease of the past,” he added. The Rochelle and Richard Maze Foundation also provided support for a major benefit for the Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles during the year. The Guild of Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire (BBBSLA) hosted a luncheon and fashion show to benefit the organization’s founding mission of helping children reach their potential through one-on-one mentoring relationships. The event featured a boutique with high end items including clothing, jewelry and other fashion accessories with the latest trends and celebrity-inspired collections presented by models from Tyra Banks’hit show “America’s Next Top Model.” “With the increasing demand for essential children’s services that the BBBSLA provides, we are pleased to support their efforts on behalf of our youth,” explained Richard Maize. “The event was an enjoyable experience and made even more rewarding knowing that all that shopping would raise funds which will help provide young people with a solid foundation for achieving future success,” he added. “Pizza Hut Day,” was a special treat for the elementary school students at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services of Los Angeles during May 2008. Held in the campus gymnasium, Rochelle and Richard Maize served up pizza to hungry students. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation has been a long-time dedicated and ongoing supporter of Vista Del Mar’s programs, faculty and students. It has regularly contributed time and financial resources to Vista Del Mar and other various programs to help children and families in need. “We are extremely proud to be a supporter of these young people so that as they experience adolescence and adulthood, they can step confidently into the future and further foster the spirit of giving,” explained Richard Maize Later in the year, Rochelle Maize was named among the prominent award recipients of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2008 “Women Making a Difference”. The magazine listed more than 200 prestigious nominees making up a diverse group of Los Angeles-based women “who lead by example, making a difference both in the world of business and in the communities they serve.” Rochelle Maize, recognized as a true philanthropist, spends many hours supporting charities personally, through the Foundation as well as in her work as a realtor. In this sense, she partners with each client to dedicate a portion of each and every sale to a charitable cause either chosen by the client or to one of the many non-profit organizations Rochelle Maize supports. In another prestigious event, Rochelle Maize joined Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart at the inaugural Women of Distinction luncheon in support of the Greater Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). At the CCFA Inaugural Women of Distinction Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Rochelle Maize, member of the Women of Distinction Committee, gathered along with event Co-chairs Caryl Golden and Cathy Greenly to celebrate the honorees with luncheon host Bobbie Thomas, contributing editor for In Touch Magazine, correspondent for The Today Show and E! Red Carpet host for the Academy, Emmy and SAG Awards. The event honored four women who have achieved distinction in their careers and who have generously supported the mission of the CCFA. They are: Claire Levine, philanthropist and Chair of the Board of Specialty Merchandise Corporation; Helene Galen, philanthropist and community leader, Jaye Hersh, entrepreneur and owner of Los Angeles boutique Intuition, and Mary Hart, host of Entertainment Tonight. The event’s honorary committee members also include Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Gertz, Lucy Liu, Madeline Redstone, Mindy Weiss, Laurie Konheim and many other dedicated individuals who donate their time and efforts to this very worthy effort. As a special presentation, luncheon honorees, organizers and attendees enjoyed a fashion show featuring the Pre-Fall 2008 Collection by celebrated fashion designer Carolina Herrera. Proceeds raised at the luncheon enabled hundreds of children with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to attend the CCFA Camp Oasis summer and family camp programs. The Jewish Federation’s Real Estate and Construction Division’s Evening of Gratitude was underwritten by the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation. Donors were recognized for their generosity to the Federation, as Richard Maize said: “We appreciate the generosity of those who make a difference every day in the lives of those in need.” In November, at the Rising Stars Gala, guild member Rochelle Maize, joined host and comedic actor Fred Willard and guests to honor producer Paula Wagner, actress and academy award nominee Abigail Breslin and publicist Michael Sitrickat at an event, that was the largest fundraiser event for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire (BBBSLAIE). Among other philanthropic activities undertaken by the Rochelle And Richard Maize Foundation during the year were support for the California Spirit XXIV for the American Cancer Society; support for Friends of Greystone Mansion, an historic home in Beverly Hills and major activity on behalf of the Jewish Committee of 18 in support of the 18th Maccabiah games in Israel during July. Committee of 18 members are among Los Angeles` business, entertainment and community leaders who commit to raising $1.5 million to elevate the games globally and enabled 350 qualifying athletes who otherwise would not be able participate, a chance to compete in Tel Aviv in this years` Maccabiah Games. "It is truly an honor and privilege for me to be an active working member of this group of renowned leaders who have come together as a small, but powerful force, to highlight the importance of the 18th Maccabiah Games," said Richard Maize, co-founder of the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation. "I am
firmly committed to do everything I can, personally and through
the Maize Foundation, to support the committee in its mission
to raise awareness for the Maccabiah games and ensure that deserving
athletes are afforded the opportunity to compete in Tel Aviv,"
Richard Maize added. "This was one of the most exciting events at the 18th Maccabiah," says Maize. "The game was fought hard by both sides and went into overtime. The fact the US won was overshadowed by the warm smiles and embraces displayed by both the players of Israel and Team USA." “The Maccabi Games instill an appreciation of Jewish values, competitive sporting experiences and the spirit of community involvement in a memorable and rewarding environment,” said Richard Maize, co-founder of the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation. Maize, who operated the largest the mortgage banking companies in the US, continues: "The US and Israel have so many good, solid democratic and family values in common. It was great to see this friendly match between the Jews of Israel and the US. I can only imagine how well the Israel Defense Forces and the US military cooperate when they get together in fighting terrorism in this region." As a young and ambitious graduate from California State University, Northridge, Richard Maize began his business career investing in Southern California real estate. In 1988, he co-founded a mortgage banking company that has grown into one of the largest and most respected mortgage brokerage firms in the US. With an entrepreneurial spirit and tireless effort, Richard Maize expanded his business and became known as an industry expert, regularly appearing as a commentator for KCAL-TV news sharing his insights about real estate trends, marketing and finance. An engaged and involved member of his local community in the US, Richard Maize continues to be involved professionally and personally in relevant causes. Through the foundation, Richard Maize contributions focus on working with various non-profit organizations, charitable endeavors and finding ways that will have the greatest ability to positively impact the lives of others. A leader, mentor and dedicated mortgage professional, Richard Maize resides in Beverly Hills along with his wife and foundation co-founder, Rochelle Atlas Maize and their two daughters, Amanda and Ally. Richard Maize has volunteered to be a mentor for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles` Real Estate and Construction Division`s Young Leadership Development Institute. The Young Leadership Development Institute (YLDI) is an intense, two-year program, offering young real estate professionals high level leadership training, networking opportunities, mentoring and Jewish Federation education. "As a
second year mentor, I am proud to again be among such a distinguished
group of seasoned real estate professionals committed to educating
and empowering young philanthropic leaders," said Maize.
Larry
Butchins is a professional journalist and corporate marketing
communications specialist, with many years' experience in strategic
communication development, branding, traditional media, new media
and promotional programs. The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group London SEO Pr New York SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.
Internet
Marketing SEO Professionals ask:
Sponsored by IsraelPr.com Hosted by
|
