What is the Chai Society?
"Whoever practices tzedakah and justice fills the world with loving kindness."
– Talmud: Sukkah Camp
The Chai Society Giving Circle is a community of Camp Coleman’s most dedicated supporters—donors who give $1,800 or more annually to ensure that the magic of Coleman continues for generations to come.
Coleman is more than just a summer camp—it’s a home-away-from-home, and a place where lifelong friendships and Jewish identities are nurtured. Chai Society members are the heart of this mission, providing the important financial foundation that allows our camp to flourish, inspire, and transform lives.
As a token of our gratitude, members receive exclusive recognition and special opportunities throughout the year.
Join us in securing Camp Coleman’s future and keeping the Coleman magic alive for generations!
What are the benefits of joining the Chai Society?
As a member of the Chai Society Giving Circle you receive:
• Invitation to Nad’van Shabbat, a Shabbat experience held at camp for our most generous supporters.
• Invitations Town Hall meetings with our Director, Amy Smyler McFarland.
• Exclusive Chai Society Items including a Chai Society Giving Circle t-shirt and unique annual swag item.
• Recognition on Chai Society Giving Circle webpage.
• Recognition on Chai Society Giving Circle banner which will be displayed during Opening Day, Closing Day, and throughout the summer.
What does your Chai Society membership gift support at camp?
Your support helps support:
• Security & Facility Upgrades
• Scholarships for Families
• Enhanced Programmatic Offerings
• Jewish & Israel Education
• Fine and Performing Arts
• Enhanced Sports and Aquatics Programs
• And So Much More!
Introducing Our
Chai Society Co-Chairs
Leah & Ethan Grossman
Camp Coleman holds a special place in our hearts. Growing up as campers, Coleman provided lasting friendships and a meaningful experience that helped shape our Jewish identities. We looked forward to summers at camp so much that we returned as counselors (and started dating when we realized we shared the same night off!). Now as adults raising our family, it’s important to us that we give regularly to Jewish organizations. Supporting camp as Chai Society members is our way to help ensure our kids and so many others can continue to experience the magic of Coleman.
Jaime and Adam Russo
Our family has deep ties to Camp Coleman and will be forever grateful for the community and strong Jewish identity we have gained through our connections at camp. Adam's many years as a camper were so transformative that he returned as a counselor, and maintains close friendships with many of his former bunkmates. Jaime married into the Coleman family and has experienced the magic of camp through the eyes of our children, Ari (12) and Liam (9), who have become Colemanites for life. Camp is so special to our family, that we plan to have both of our sons' bar mitzvahs at the Hillman Chapel in the next few years.
Giving to Camp Coleman has always been a priority for us, and nothing fills our hearts more than ensuring the future of camp for generations to come. We are honored to serve as the Co-Chairs of the Chai Society and hope you will join us in making an impact!
Meet Our Chai Society
Giving Circle Members
Family and Friends
• Danny and Joanne Aronson
• Patty Beck
• Kadie Black and Ben Epstein
• Eileen and Terry Blumenstein
• Katrina Burton-Nichols and Matthew Nichols
• Wendy and Raymond Capelouto
• Lauren and Mark Chekanow
• Jackie and Brian Dalton
• Michelle Easton-Williams and Mark Williams
• Robin Eisenberg
• Ellen and John Fox-Snider
• Harold Gernsbacher
• Angel and Aaron Goldman
• Michael Goldstein
• Cathy Goodfriend and Paul J. Reichenbach
• Lauren and Todd Gordon
• Leah and Ethan Grossman (Co-Chairs)
• Gabby and Ira Gutt
• David Haller
• Deedee and G. Marc (z"l) Hamburger
• Susan Heyder
• Midge and Steve Krams
• Jen and Art Lieb
• Shelley Niceley Groff and Jon Groff
• Mae Philpott
• Rebecca and Evan Reiss
• Stuart and Cheryl Rich
• Robin and Bert Rosenthal
• Debbie and Jonathan Rotstein
• Jaime and Adam Russo (Co-Chairs)
• Debbie and Brent Sembler
• Amy and Jay Todras
• Donetta Vanhuss
• Nordin and Howard Weinberger
Clergy & Faculty
• Rabbi Peter Berg and Karen Kerness
• Rabbi Robert and Natalie Davis
• Rabbi Sheldon and Fern Harr
• Rabbi Joui Hessel
• Rabbi Geoff and Sue Huntting
• Rabbi Jessica Jacobs
• Rabbi Bradley G. Levenberg and Rebecca Sarko
• Rabbi Joanne Loiben
• Rabbi Adam Miller and Jennifer Siegal-Miller
• Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz and Adam Snitzer
• Cantor Juval Porat
• Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer
• Rabbi Ronald M. and Jill Segal
• Rabbi Merle Singer
• Rabbi Samantha Shabman Trief and Rabbi Natan Trief
• Rabbi Greg and Tami Weisman
Congregations
• Temple Beth El - Boca Raton, FL
• Temple Beth Sholom - Miami Beach, FL
• Temple Shalom - Naples, FL
• Congregation Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood - Tampa , FL
Foundations and Organizations
• Anonymous
• Beck Family Charitable Foundation
• Foundation for Jewish Camp, Inc.
• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
• Harold Grinspoon Foundation
• Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA)
•JTeen and JAccess - programs of JFGA
• M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation
• The Leon Levine Foundation
• The Marcus Foundation, Inc.
• Women of Reform Judaism - Southeast District