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As a successful entrepreneur and legendary business leader, Barney Mizel knows an effective enterprise when he sees one. Barney and his wife, Ann Mizel, have been providing significant support to JFCS and the community it serves through their family foundation. The Marin County resident has built three national insurance brokerage firms over the course of his long career and served on JFCS’ Program and Planning Committee. This year Barney joined the JFCS’ Endowment Committee, and is planning for the future by leaving a bequest to JFCS. He says, “I truly admire JFCS for the valuable work it does and I am looking forward to supporting the organization in any way that I can.”
Ann and Barney Mizel
How did you get involved in philanthropy?
I grew up in San Francisco where my father practiced medicine. He routinely helped patients who were in great need of medical care but who did not have the ability to pay. He never turned anyone away, and his actions made a huge impact on me. My father showed me how one person can play a significant role in making the community stronger by serving those who are struggling.
I’ve elected two organizations which I find do exceptional work in the community: one is Dominican University and the other is JFCS.
Why do you feel that giving is important?
Annual contributions are critical to the long-term success and growth of organizations like JFCS because they provide stability. Let me be clear—social service agencies can’t survive without financial support from the communities they serve.
What makes a bequest to JFCS so meaningful to you?
I like that JFCS serves people here in the Bay Area and provides many different and important programs—all of them vital to the community. I’m especially proud of the work JFCS does to take care of the senior community because it is so important for everyone to live with dignity and respect as we age.
Anything else you would like to add?
JFCS is an exceptionally well-managed organization with impressive oversight and leadership. I have great trust that the support I provide to the organization will be serve our community well in whatever way it is most needed. JFCS does a great job.