The Serve Love Endowment Fund

L'DOR V'DOR

THE SERVE LOVE ENDOWMENT FUND: GIFTING TENNIS & VALUES TO THE NEXT GENERATION

By Jennifer Rensch, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Steven Clapp grew up in the Baltimore/Washington DC corridor, where, although there were many Jewish communities spread throughout the area, he said there seemed to be little interaction among them. Upon relocating to Jacksonville in 1992, he was drawn to the spirit of unity he found here, “In Jacksonville, we seem to have one Jewish community where everyone is interconnected. For me, there is a powerful sense of family here.” After over twenty-five years of membership, Steve is quick to acknowledge the integral role that the Jewish Community Alliance has played in creating that sense of family for him personally and for our entire Jacksonville community. As a father of two and an avid tennis player, Steve firmly believes in the important social and developmental benefits that learning a sport provides.

“I have made so many friends through tennis at the JCA and had the opportunity to learn from others, teach a few others, develop sports strategies, and improve my game. Everyone should have the chance to play a sport that only requires investing in a racquet and shoes and gives you the chance to meet some great people,” Steve said. This is what prompted him to found The Serve Love Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Alliance, invested within the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. This fund will exist in perpetuity to provide tennis scholarships and equipment to benefit teens and children in need. He wanted to gift this experience, which has been so impactful in his own life, to others—particularly those of the next generation who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.

Reflecting on his hopes for the future of our community, Steve said, “To realize that to thrive in today's uncertain political, environmental, social, financial, and health climate, we must do all we can to create pathways to success for those that cannot fully help themselves.” Steve hopes to show his children through the establishment of his own Jewish legacy that anyone and everyone can do their part to help and there is no limit to what we can do to support each other. When asked about his own philanthropic role models, Steve replied, “I admire all those whose lives are full of work, family, and other day-to-day obligations yet still find the time and resources to give back to their community. We all have the power and the means, whether in small or large ways.”

May we all be inspired and challenged by Steve’s tremendous philanthropic passion and commitment— which truly exemplify the essence of l'dor v'dor—to find the time and resources to give back. Through Steve’s legacy and the legacies of many others like him, we will continue to strengthen Jewish life for generations to come and ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the same rich traditions and closeness of community that we have.

Contributions to the Serve Love Endowment Fund can be made online at jewishjacksonville.org/ serveloveendowmentfund. To learn more about creating your Jewish legacy and strengthening Jewish life for generations to come, contact Foundation Director, Kellie Smith, at kelliek@jewishjacksonville.orgor (904) 512-3796.