Venture Philanthropist Laura Lauder Honored in the Silicon Valley

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) honored Laura Lauder for her leadership and philanthropy at the elegant, 2012 Rambam's Ladder Award Gala and Auction February 11.  The sold-out event was a testament to Lauder's impact on the Silicon Valley, Jewish causes and society at-large.  Over 500 guests celebrated Laura's dedication to righteous giving including husband Gary Lauder, children Josh and Ellie, and family patriarch Leonard Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of the Estee Lauder Companies; event co-chairs Hilary Luros and Matt Ocko, the Oshman Family, Randi Zuckerberg, Palo Alto Mayor Yiaway Yeh, OFJCC CEO Alan Sataloff and Walter Issacson via video segment.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120228/SF60441)

Ms. Lauder is a focused philanthropist dedicated to promoting leadership and education.  She has served on the board of the National Public Radio Foundation, co-founded the Socrates Program of the Aspen Institute with her husband Gary, is a fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations, Vice Chair of the $1.68B Jewish Community Endowment Fund of San Francisco (JCEF), and Chair of the Foundation Council of the JCEF.  

Laura founded DeLeT, a fellowship promoting Day School teaching.  She said, "The most important part of my philanthropy is when I help young individuals become great leaders."  She also serves on the board of SV2, a venture philanthropy "giving circle" in Silicon Valley as well the advisory board of Stanford University School of Education among many others.

The 2012 Rambam's Ladder Award Gala and Auction (photos available here), sponsored by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, and others, raised over $500,000 for the Oshman Family JCC community programs and scholarships.

The Rambam's Ladder Award was named for 12th Century Rabbi Maimonides who described the hierarchy of giving as steps on a ladder.  Laura said, "I gave my first philanthropic gift to the Jewish community when I was 23 years old…it made me feel like I can really make a difference. I have never turned back.  It has been upward from there."   She concluded her acceptance speech with a tribute to her mentor and role model, the late Evelyn Lauder who greatly inspired Laura's commitment to giving.  She and Gary have instilled those values into their children, Josh and Ellie, the next generation of Lauder philanthropists. 

About the Oshman Family JCC:
The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the award-winning Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other wellness programs. The OFJCC aspires to be a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome. (650) 223-8700.

SOURCE Oshman Family JCC