Former Baltimore residents and community philanthropists Toby and Dr. Morton M. Mower were presented the Jewish National Fund Heritage Award by the JNF-USA on Nov. 12 at the organization’s national conference at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla.
Presenting the award before an audience of more than 1,000 — including over 250 college students from 100 campuses — was JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson. Robinson thanked the Mowers, who now live in Colorado, for their decades of commitment to JNF’s efforts in Israel.
“It is indeed an honor to receive Jewish National Fund’s Heritage Award,” said Toby Mower. “Our contributions in terms of being a charter member of Women for Israel, JNFuture, the Parsons Water Fund, and the Baltimore, National, and Mountain States Board of Directors, has allowed us to help improve the quality of life for the State of Israel and its people. We thank Jewish National Fund for this privilege. Our work on behalf of JNF will never end.”
Said Dr. Mower: “It seems like yesterday that we began working on behalf of Jewish National Fund. Who would have thought so much could be accomplished in just a few decades? But the work is not done. It will continue as Israel to innovate water solutions for itself and its neighbors.”
Diane Scar, JNF’s Baltimore-based national campaign director, said she first met the Mowers 24 years ago when they moved back to Baltimore.
“We were holding a parlor meeting on a snowy night in 1998, but due to blizzard conditions only Toby and Mort were present,” Scar said. “I called them the next day to thank them for coming and they expressed interest in wanting to be more involved with JNF. …
“[The Mowers] are extremely passionate about Israel and helping others,” she said. “When they were in Baltimore, they started the Jewish Recovery Houses to help Jewish men and women who were substance abuse addicts.They are not only people who fund projects, but they give of themselves and help to raise Jews to be aware of the world around them and how they can make a difference.”
Photo of Jewish National Fund CEO Russell F. Robinson, Toby and Dr. Morton M. Mower (left to right) provided by JNF-USA
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