$2.4 Million Gift Promises To Transform Newly Named Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services

BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service (JFS) announced last night at their annual Gala that the Rales family, a highly successful and philanthropic family with ties to South Florida, has made a generous $2.4 million gift to the newly named Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS). Norman Rales, the patriarch of the family who passed away in March of 2012 following years of financial and personal support for the agency, was recognized for his commitment to helping others. Beyond the donation and creation of the 'Center for Families and Children,' the Rales' sons (Steven, Mitchell and Joshua), who are now trustees of the Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation, had the agency renamed in his honor.

"Our parents came from humble roots," said Steven, Mitchell and Joshua Rales. "As a couple, their ambition was not solely to achieve the American dream for themselves and their children, but to assist others less fortunate than them in achieving that same dream. The work of the Rales Foundation, and in particular its partnership with JFS, illustrates our parents' commitment to helping others. The new Center for Families and Children at the Ruth and Norman Rales JFS is our effort to continue to build upon the foundation of our parents' good works."

"With this new gift from the Rales family, the JFS budget will increase by 20%," said Danielle Hartman, President and CEO of JFS. "Thanks to the generosity of the Rales family, we are now prepared to support and nurture the growing needs of our South Florida community."

The new programs created as part of JFS' Center for Families & Children include:

• Vocational and Employment Services
• Domestic Abuse Education & Action Program
• Financial Assistance Program
• Counseling & Community Outreach

Since its inception in 1979 as the first agency of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, JFS has been a trusted resource for the South Florida community – serving more than 15,000 people annually; providing bi-monthly food deliveries to upwards of 600 individuals; and helping nearly 700 seniors with their personal care management.

About Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services
Ruth & Norman Rales JFS provides help, hope and humanity through a comprehensive range of programs and services in locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Learn more at www.RuthRalesJFS.org.

SOURCE Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS)