New Director for EdinaGiveAndGo.org

THE BOARD OF EDINAGIVEANDGO.ORG APPOINTS LILLIAN DOLAN ZIFF AS FIRST PERMANENT DIRECTOR

Edina, Minnesota (September 6, 2013)—The Board of Directors of EdinaGiveAndGo.org is pleased to announce the appointment of Lillian Dolan Ziff as the organization’s first permanent Program Director. Ziff brings broad experience to her new role and will be a valuable asset as the  organization seeks to fulfill its mission of mobilizing resources that can enhance the quality of life and learning for Edina’s underserved youth.  Recently retired from the Edina Public School System where she worked for many years as the Dean of Students at Valley View Middle School and a district school psychologist, Ziff is excited to again be working in the Edina community.  Ziff is well recognized for both her passion for working with children of all ages and her strong connections within the Edina community.  “We are thrilled that Lillian will be joining EdinaGiveAndGo.org and excited to have Lillian step in at this very pivotal time in our organization’s  development.  Lillian’s vast experience with Edina students and their families makes her an ideal candidate for this position.  ”

stated Idith Almog, Co-Founder and President of the organization.

The EdinaGiveAndGo.org enterprise was launched this past summer, with the support of the Edina Ed Fund, as a pilot project that was well recieved and well supported within the Edina community.  Now, under Ziff’s leadership, that trend will continue as EdinaGiveAndGo.org works to build momentum, engage more community members and reach more Edina kids.  Meg Rodriguez, Co-Founder of the organization, said of the appointment, 

“EdinaGiveAndGo.org is fortunate to be moving forward under Lillian’s direction and we are confident that she will be an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for Edina’s underserved youth.  Lillian is well acquainted with the small, yet significant  obstacles that can keep Edina’s young people from enjoying the abundant opportunities that exist in our community and, as a  strong champion of the deserving children we aim to serve, she will undoubtedly inspire many Edina community members to logon, volunteer and give via the EdinaGiveAndGo.org website. “

Ziff has jumped right in with EdinaGiveAndGo.org and is enthused about it’s future prospects. "Being part of EdinaGiveandGo.org provides me with the opportunity to continue my work with the Edina School community where education is highly valued. Our mission is to make sure each student has what they need to be successful.”  

EdinaGiveAndGo.org launched it’s website in June of 2013, being a first web-based initiative of it’s kind. The mission of the organization is centered around making it easy for Edina community members and businesses to support the growing number of underserved Edina children who struggle to access the many educational youth activities - arts, athletics, academic enrichment - that exist within our community. The initiative has already been a success in many ways.  During the short and limited summer pilot, the organization positively affected 52 students, made it possible for 6 students to register and re-take the ACT exam, connected 3 students with tutors at Valley View Middle School, received donations from over 20 families, and raised over $3000. Ziff hopes to continue leading EdinaGiveAndGo.org in a positive direction and connect further with the community.