JEWISH WORLD

JEWISH WORLD • NOVEMBER 18-24, 2022 11 philanthropic activities are his children and grandchildren. “I feel very blessed. I’m very fortunate that I’m able to give back a little bit for all of the blessings I have. It makes you feel very humble.” Roger V. Coleman, CEO and own- er of Coleman Group Partners and himself a philanthropist, said he is “an admirer and student of Joe. One thing my 35-year relationship with him has shown me about Joe is that he’s the most caring and giving indi- vidual I’ve ever met in my life. For instance, the philanthropic work he does with Bear Givers not only finan- cially helps many organizations and individuals, but comforts children in need by delivering a beautiful teddy bear for them to hold and hug. “Joe lives to give, and he does so in so many ways; we as a civi- lization need more Joe Sprungs to raise the love within our planet.” A Chabad organization that has also benefited from Sprung’s generos- ity is the Friendship Circle of Brook- lyn. The group pairs teen volunteers with individuals with special needs. Sprung hosted a barbecue at his house for the group, which integrates such children into the community. “Joe isn’t just another philanthro- pist,” said Rabbi Berel Majesky, co-director of the Friendship Circle of Brooklyn. “He leads by way of example, envisioning and enabling us to put our children and adults with special needs in the driver’s seat. Joe has helped change how a community approaches some of the most vul- nerable among us, taking them from behind closed doors to the spotlight, always staying true to his vision.” Dr. Barbara Firestone, presi- dent and CEO of The Help Group, which serves children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum, with learning disabili- ties, who suffer from the effects of abuse and other issues, said “the arts are absolutely fundamental to our students’ journey to expression and self-discovery. Bear Givers and their Empower Art program have created a transformative experience for them. When these children are able to see their artwork displayed in a studio setting, nothing can re- place the joy and sense of achieve- ment they have in that moment. “Joe Sprung has been a wonder- ful friend to The Help Group since 2009,” she said. “Joe’s tremendous spirit of philanthropy and Bear Givers’ long-standing dedication to bringing happiness to the lives of all children continues to em- power our young people with spe- cial needs through the arts.” Diane Lempert, the executive director of Bear Givers, said his impact on her own life has been positively inspirational. “Joe’s generosity extends way beyond financial support. He pro- vides opportunity, advice, resourc- es and, most of all, hope. He is committed to making all lives bet- ter and inspires me greatly with his constant efforts to do so. I believe I have become a better person just being in his presence, and I admire his unwavering commitment and dedication to helping others.” Sprung is not content to bask in his achievements. He is always looking for newways to contribute. In the last few years, for instance, he founded a nonprofit organization called Never Too Late to Start to encourage entre- preneurs, particularly women later in life, to stay focused by providing them with the tools necessary to grow and thrive. Never Too Late to Start has already hosted three Wom- en’s Entrepreneurship Conferences and some networking events, and it is planning to host more conferences and events in the future in different cities, as well as seminars and mento- ring services. Rich Fink, a longtime friend of Sprung’s who is his part- ner in Never Too Late to Start and a board member of Bear Givers, sums it up in a few words: “Joe is a compassionate, car- ing person. He devotes a lot of his time raising money and sponsoring meaningful events for children in need and for women who need help starting their own businesses. The key word here is need. Any time friends and family are in need of help - no matter what the issue - Joe is the first one offering assistance.” Meryl Ain’s articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Huffington Post, Newsday and other publications. She is the au- thor of the award-winning post-Ho- locaust novel, “The Takeaway Men,” and its sequel, “Shadows We, Car- ry,” to be published in April. In 2006, Sprung visited Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Chicago accompanied by Nikki McCray, two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner and former WNBA player for the Chicago Sky. Rabbi Berel Majesky, Chabad: He enabled us to put our children and adults with special needs in the driver’s seat.