Benesch is pleased to announce that Executive Chairman Ira Kaplan and his wife, Amy Kaplan, will be honored with the Maimonides Award by ORT America in recognition of their philanthropic service to the Cleveland and Jewish communities. The Kaplans will be recognized at ORT’s 53rd Annual Brunch, taking place October 19 at Beechmont Country Club.
ORT America is the leading fundraising organization for World ORT, a global educational network that supports students in more than 40 countries in building meaningful careers and lives rooted in Jewish values and identity.
“We are pleased to honor Amy and Ira Kaplan at this year’s brunch,” said Todd Gurney, president of the ORT Ohio region, in a news release. “Amy and Ira embody the spirit of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world – through their unwavering commitment to education, community service and Jewish values. Their extensive involvement and leadership in numerous charitable organizations reflect a profound dedication to uplifting others and fostering positive change.”
Ira has long-standing ties to the Cleveland and Jewish communities. He currently serves on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and he is board chair of the Mt. Sinai Health Foundation, which awards more than $8 million annually to improve public health and support medical education and research. He previously served as vice chair of United Way of Greater Cleveland and has held leadership roles with the Cleveland Leadership Center, Engage Cleveland, Bellefaire JCB, Wingspan Care Group, Council Gardens and Menorah Park Center for Senior Living.
At Benesch, Ira serves as executive chairman and maintains an active law practice focused on mergers and acquisitions, and public and private debt and equity financings. He works extensively in the healthcare services sector, advising clients in areas such as behavioral health, dental service organizations, physician practice management, revenue cycle management and home health.
Amy Kaplan recently retired after 17 years with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, where she served as vice president of external affairs and director of government relations. She remains actively involved in the community through board service with the Federation, the Cleveland State University Foundation, the Jewish Democratic Council of America, Congregation Mishkan Or, and the Facing History and Ourselves Cleveland Advisory Board.
“Amy and Ira are truly worthy leaders, and we are privileged to honor them with ORT’s Maimonides Award,” said Suellen Kadis, ORT America board member, Ohio region board member and vice president of the annual brunch, in a release. Their decades of service across a broad range of nonprofit organizations make them ideal honorees. ORT’s mission to provide students with transformative skills aligns beautifully with Amy and Ira’s lifelong dedication to empowering others and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Mazel Tov Amy and Ira.”
Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg is among the honorary co-chairs for the event.
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