Cleveland Jewish Federation Announces Volunteer Award Winner

BEACHWOOD, OH — Beth Wain Brandon is the 2019 recipient of the Gries Family Award, awarded to a community member who has made a lasting impact on Cleveland's Jewish and general communities. The award is given by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

“I consider it a privilege to volunteer in the community, and I’m so honored to receive the Gries Award and follow in the footsteps of my mentors,” Brandon said. “My parents believed in helping those in the Jewish community and the general community. Growing up, I got the message to get involved; if you’re capable, then lend a hand.”

Brandon is currently the vice chair on the Jewish Federation's Board of Trustees. She previously served as the Federation's Government Relations Committee chair and Women's Philanthropy chair. She is also director of the Mount Sinai Health Care Foundation and previously held roles for Bellefaire JCP, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Ohio Jewish Communities Board.

In 2014, Brandon was named a Woman of Achievement by YWCA of Greater Cleveland, where she helped homeless individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. She is also involved in Planned Parenthood, where she lobbies and raises funds to keep the organization alive in Cleveland. She is also a past board chair of Recovery Resources.

“Beth’s steadfast commitment to the Jewish and general community of Northeast Ohio is evident and inspiring,” said Enid Rosenberg, Gries Award Selection Committee chair and a past Gries Family Award recipient. “She is a leader with accomplishments exemplified through her career success as an attorney, community service leadership, mentorship, and notable achievements throughout the Cleveland community.”

The Gries Family Award includes a donation to a charitable cause chosen by the recipient. Brandon selected Bellefair JCP and YWCA. She and her husband matched the Jewish Federation's gifts to those two groups.