14 November 2008 Chicago couples $1 million donation for Kadima Mada Long time ORT supporters Claire and Robert Mazer have capped decades of dedication and generosity with a $1 million donation to Kadima Mada, the programme which is raising the level of science and technology education in peripheral and underprivileged Israeli communities, and other ORT projects worldwide. Mr and Mrs Mazer, minority co-owners of the Major League Chicago White Sox baseball team, have already sponsored a new, high tech laboratory at Nesher High School, one of the more than 30 campuses benefiting from Kadima Madas huge investment in the latest educational technologies and techniques. The Mazers massive donation is particularly welcome as World ORT faces diminishing spending power as a result of the weak dollar and recession-hit fundraising. Robert and Claire epitomise ORT contributors, said ORT America National Executive Committee Chair Shelley Fagel (pictured, right, with the Mazers). They are the best of the best because they understand the needs of the programme. They have been all over the world and seen what ORT does so they know what their gifts do. They are deeply committed to Israel and they know that education is the key to its future. In recognition of the Mazers investment in the future of thousands of young people, ORT Americas busy Chicago office is to be named the Claire and Robert Mazer Metropolitan Chicago Regional Office. I cant think of a couple more deserving of having the Chicago office named after them, Mrs Fagel said. They have meant so much to ORTs international programme, to its Chicago area programme and to those of us in leadership whom they have mentored. For years and years to come their name will be known for their generosity. The Mazers gift was announced before 230 guests at ORT Americas autumn benefit, iORT: Taking Technology to the Next Level, at the Chicago History Museum. The evening, which raised $250,000, was in honour of Gail Lanznar, a past president of ORT America Metropolitan Chicago Region, and her husband Howard. Mrs Mazer said the donation was a sign of her and her husbands gratitude to those who had made ORT into such a worthwhile organisation.’All of my family have visited ORT schools and take great pride in what is being accomplished. This funding will continue accomplishing incredible programmes,’ she said. ‘This gift is Bob’s and my thank you to the organisation and to past leadership for making ORT what it is today.’ ORT is a big hug around the world; thats why I love it, Mrs Lanznar said.