Anne Heineman

Having been a young Jewish girl who barely escaped from Nazi Germany, Anne Heineman always felt compelled to do something meaningful with her life. Greatly valuing education and reading, she says she found her "perfect fit" when she started volunteering at RFB&D 38 years ago.

Over the past four decades, Anne has served on RFB&D's national and Los Angeles Unit boards of directors (four years as chairman of the latter); recorded textbooks; trained volunteers; edited newsletters; promoted RFB&D and raised much-needed funds. She still spends at least six hours per week volunteering in the Los Angeles Unit doing "whatever needs to be done." To honor her dedication, the unit recently presented Anne with its "Cherished Friend Award."

In lieu of holiday or birthday gifts for her, Anne's family and friends frequently honor her requests to make donations to RFB&D. One gift from a friend totaled $100,000.

Anne also played a key role in convincing the Archstone Foundation to award RFB&D a $100,000 grant to enhance our collection of books and materials in the field of geriatrics. Anne was also instrumental in helping RFB&D obtain $25,000 to $30,000 annual grants from the Kirchgessner Foundation for the past 18 years.

Anne laughingly promises to support RFB&D as long as she "can move around and think straight." Even afterward, she explains, she will continue that support via a generous planned gift in her will. "I've had a good life and feel obligated to give back," she states thoughtfully.