Sloan and Benjamin Families Honored by United Way as Top Philanthropic Leaders

At 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018, 600 people will attend United Way of Greater Greensboro’s annual Speakers Series at Grandover Resort & Conference Center to hear Leigh Anne Tuohy, the inspirational subject of The Blind Side, share her amazing personal story about the power of turning around to help others.

During the luncheon United Way will present two annual awards that will honor members of the Sloan and Benjamin families for their tremendous compassion and impact in our community.

2018 United Way of Greater Greensboro Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Linda and Tom Sloan.

2018 United Way of Greater Greensboro Legacy Award Recipients
Joan and Mente Benjamin, Ann and Ben Zuraw, and Bill and Margaret Benjamin.

“We are so fortunate to have such caring and generous families in our community. We are honored to recognize them for their leadership in philanthropy and overall desire to do good. They are true heroes and lead a life of authentic compassion,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals or couples who demonstrate a history of extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and true “love of mankind”. In addition, they exemplify a shared dedication to United Way of Greater Greensboro’s mission, vision, and values through decades of service and exceptional support of programs that transform lives in our community. We are delighted to recognize the Sloans for a lifetime of giving and compassion.

Past Lifetime Achievement Recipients:
Dr. Preston Clark – 2017 Community Speaker Series
David and Joann Grimes – 2016 Community Speaker Series
James “Smitty” Smith – 2015 Community Speaker Series
Royce and Jane Reynolds – 2014 Community Speaker Series
Dr. Maya Angelou 2013 – Women in Philanthropy Luncheon
Dr. Edward B. Fort – 2013 AAL Speaker Series
Dr. Alvin V. Blount, Jr. – 2012 AAL Speaker Series

The Legacy Award is presented to families who demonstrate a legacy of giving and community impact. In addition, they exemplify a shared dedication to United Way of Greater Greensboro’s mission, vision and values through service and exceptional support of programs that transform lives in our community. We are delighted to recognize the Benjamin Family for their love of mankind and family legacy of generosity in our community.

Past Legacy Award Recipients:
Alan and Sally Cone 2016
Betty and Benjamin Cone 2016
Phyllis Shavitz, Joy Shavitz 2014
Kay Stern, Katherine Weaver 2013
Tobee Kaplan, Kathy Manning 2013

More About the Sloan Family
Linda and Tom Sloan have demonstrated incredible leadership with United Way as loyal Tocqueville Society members. They continue to lead the charge to create positive impact throughout Greensboro.

Linda’s leadership can be seen across Triad Stage, Women to Women, Green Hill, United Arts Council, UNC-G College of Visual and Performing Arts, Touring Theatre, Hospice and Palliative Care, Greensboro Day School, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, and United Way.

Tom’s leadership has benefited Cone Health System, University of Rochester, UNC-G, Triad Stage, Greensboro Jewish Federation, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Greensboro Jewish Foundation, and Temple Emanuel.

“It is a privilege to be able to give back to the community and to be able to invest in the future of Greensboro. Charitable giving is about giving to people who are involved in ideas and organizations that you trust and value. We have always had great confidence in United Way leadership and the impact of United Way,” said Tom and Linda Sloan.

More About the Benjamin Family
The Benjamin family has a long legacy of multi-generational philanthropy and enrichment within the greater Greensboro community. Their family has made the community a better place for all. They have devoted their time, energy, and funding to help those in need. Their family legacy of commitment to United Way and other organizations is remarkable.

Leading by example almost 100 years ago, Ann and Bill Benjamin’s great grandfather, Emanuel Sternberger, was a founding board member of The Community Chest which was the precursor of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

The Emmanuel Sternberger Educational Fund established in 1925 by Mrs. Bertha S. Sternberger to honor her late husband Emanuel Sternberger continues to provide scholarships.

Other donations by their family to Greensboro include property for the Sternberger Children’s Hospital, Wesley Long Hospital, Benjamin Bog Garden, The Blanche S. Benjamin Branch Library, Bertha Sternberger School, and Benjamin Parkway. In addition, they donated property used as headquarters for Junior Achievement and The Junior League of Greensboro.

Joan and Mente Benjamin, Ann and Bill’s parents, have been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors. They are loyal Tocqueville Society contributors to United Way. Through their long-time support of United Way, they inspired their family to continue their philanthropic tradition.

Ann and her husband Ben Zuraw are dedicated United Way supporters and have served both locally and at the international level.

Ann serves on the United Way Worldwide Leadership Council. She is past chair of United Way Tocqueville Women and currently serves on the Women United Cabinet and Tocqueville Strategy Committee. Her additional leadership and community support include Well Spring Retirement Community, Triad Stage and The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

Ben has served on the board of directors of United Way, Partners Ending Homelessness, WellSpring Solutions, and volunteers at Greensboro Day School.

Bill and Margaret Benjamin have also been long time United Way supporters and active volunteers. Both Margaret and Bill have served on the United Way allocation review committees and have a legacy of service to our community.

Bill’s leadership has been instrumental to Boy Scouts, Green Hill, City of Greensboro Redevelopment Commission, NC Association of CPA’s, Greensboro Science Center and ArtsGreensboro.

Margaret has provided exceptional leadership to the following organizations: Weatherspoon Art Museum, LSU Museum of Art, Greensboro Historical Museum, Museum Trustee Association Board of Directors, Greensboro Downtown Parks, LeBauer Park, Greensboro’s Public Art Endowment, Greensboro Public Library Foundation, Children’s Home Society and Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association
among others.

“We are so proud to build on the example Emanuel Sternberger set for the Benjamin family to continue a legacy of giving in the community. Our heartfelt thanks to United Way for its outstanding tradition of leadership and service in making our community a more caring and more united place now and into the future,” said Margaret and Bill Benjamin.

The 2018 United Way Community Speaker Series is open to the public and tickets and sponsorships are available. For more information, contact United Way at 336.378.6600 or visit their website at https://www.unitedwaygso.org/speakerseries/


Read More