Why They Do It
Elisabeth Kostin
and Doron Roth
““Philanthropy is about paying it forward. To us, it’s about leading by example.” Elisabeth Kostin and Doron Roth truly live these values. In fact, this is what they say drew them together as a couple. They met in New York while working on relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy- Elisabeth was working for the Jewish Federation and Doron was working at the Staten Island JCC. Both had grown up in the JCC world, attending camp and various programs. Doron went on to be a camp counselor and run older adult programs, and still considers his friends at the JCC amongst his most cherished.
When the couple relocated to West Hartford for Doron to work as an emergency room R.N. at Hartford Hospital and Elisabeth to work as the Development Director for Jewish Family Services (JFS), they immediately joined the Mandell JCC-despite the fact that it was at the height of Covid. “We knew we wanted to be part of a community, and also how important it is during challenging times to support the JCC and to ensure it would be here for future generations.”, says Elisabeth. “The JCC is a part of our local community that has so much to offer- it is inclusive, supportive and vibrant. But it requires our participation in order for it to continue to build on its success.”
When JNext was launched, where new generations of members come together to raise funds and awareness for the causes they’re passionate about at the JCC, the couple was immediately intrigued by the philanthropic aspect. They were also drawn to the pure enjoyment of the social events, which they feel offer a built-in community. “JNext is a great way to meet others with similar values who care about making a positive impact and effecting what the future will look like for the next generation.” Along with Elisabeth, there are other JNext members who also play roles at JFS. She sees JNext as a way to build bridges across organizations. “Deeper connections to all of our Jewish institutions benefit the whole community.”
Beyond JNext, Elisabeth and Doron are a part of the 1915 Legacy Society and have contributed to the Endow Hartford 21 program. They believe that philanthropy is important because of the legacy aspect. “Our values are closely aligned with legacy and it is important to us what we leave behind, that we leave our world and our community a better place. This also influences how we live our lives in the present, and makes it all the more meaningful.”
Elisabeth adds that leaving a legacy gift is really “a no-brainer. I don’t think people realize how easy it is- there is no commitment beyond saying ‘yes’; you are simply declaring your intention. At the same time, you are saying that the future is important to me, and I will do something to support the organizations I care deeply about.”
Elisabeth feels her values are rooted in her upbringing. “I am personally grateful that I was blessed with a loving family and the resources to do amazing things. Doron and I are both also grateful that we can support others who may not have had such blessings.”
“Now that we have a daughter, it makes everything we strive for more that much more tangible and that much richer; it solidifies everything we feel about the future we want to see. Noa currently attends PJ Library and will begin at the ECC this fall. We want her to be in a place where she feels the love and vibrancy of a community around her. And the JCC is that perfect place.”
