Supporters Jumping In With Their Heart and Soul
“I don’t think any seniors should be alone or without care.”
– JC & Marty Meyers
"I don’t think any seniors should be alone or without care - that is what is so important about MorseLife," noted Marty Meyers, a Board of Directors member at Morse Geriatric Center. "I took care of my father for many years in his own home until his passing, as MorseLife does for those it serves," he said. "There are so many seniors who do not have family support, or loved ones who can take care of them as I did."
JC Meyers is also an active and extremely involved supporter of MorseLife. JC, who is today devoting her energy and creativity to MorseLife as Chairman of the Spring Luncheon to be held on February 10th at Trump International, notes that she and her husband were first introduced to MorseLife by their friend and long-time MorseLife supporter Bonnie Dwares. "Soon after, Keith Myers invited Marty to lunch for counsel about the parking situation at The Tradition of the Palm Beaches, and Marty immediately fell in love with MorseLife," she said. "We both saw the extent that this organization goes in caring for seniors, we were extremely impressed, and decided to make MorseLife the focus of our charitable involvement."
On a personal note, JC also said that she was overwhelmed by the generous amount of help provided when her best friend was dying of breast cancer this summer. "Though my friend lived in Br0ward County, Morse was able to reach out to local agencies for her care and called me every day to ask what else they could do," she said. "I was so touched by their constant support that it became even more important to be a part of this wonderful organization."
The stories of how people become involved in MorseLife vary – from being a witness to the care and service provided to friends and loved ones – to volunteering for meaningful programs like Homebound Mitzvah Program or on event committees – or to just understanding the challenges of caring for older loved ones, knowing the length that MorseLife goes to meeting needs. The path to MorseLife for JC and Marty is typical of our supporters, and since they joined "the family," they have made an incredible impact through their participation and philanthropy.
Both accomplished and driven individuals, JC and Marty followed varied and exciting career paths, highlighted by significant achievements, therefore, bringing with them critical professional expertise to the boards of MorseLife. JC’s educational journey took her from the University of Miami as a calculus major, to New York University where she received her Master’s degree in French, and finally to La Sorbonne in Paris where she received a Doctorate in French Literature. From there, her career path included teaching French at the high school, college and graduate school levels, later moving into institutional trading on Wall Street, and finally, to opening her own business as a designer and importer of Italian Textiles for ladies sportswear.
Marty, a New Jersey native, is a graduate of Monmouth University and a completed a tour of duty in the Marine Corps in his early years. He joined his family’s business, Meyers Brothers Parking in New York City, opening its operations and England and Puerto Rico. Always the entrepreneur, upon the sale of Meyers Brothers to Hertz, Marty chose to be his own boss and opened Manhattan Parking Systems which he has run for over 45 years among other ventures.
As for their perspective on philanthropy, both recall influence from their upbringing. "My parents were always committed to making a difference to their favorite causes," noted JC. "My father, who was a surgeon and gynecologist, started Suffolk Academy of Medicine and my mother was active in its auxiliary, and in addition both were generous to our synagogue." Notably, she said that her father, who was also a sculptor, had a show every year and donated all proceeds to the hospital. Marty notes that his mother was active in Hadassah and, in setting an example to her son, she taught him that "in life, you must give back."
Today, JC and Marty have discovered their own connection to the mission of MorseLife and are giving back as those before them. Marty notes that his very proud to see JC c0-chairing the Spring Luncheon. "She is working harder than I have ever worked in my own business to make sure it is a success," he said.
With a few months to go, JC has already secured the commitment of many vendors for the boutiques, including Jay Strongwater, Stubbs and Wooten, Jewels by Viggi from New York, wonderful raffle prizes such as a year’s membership to the Yacht Club, a Judith Lieber handbag, private catered dinner party in your home by Christafaro’s, jewelry from Circa, plus many more fabulous vendors and prizes. "The response from everyone to participate has been outstanding and hopefully this will help generate new support of MorseLife," noted JC.
Most importantly, JC and Marty have made an important connection to MorseLife, in their roles as board members, volunteers and donors. "MorseLife is clearly a vital resource in our community, meeting the needs of frail and needy seniors of Palm Beach County," said JC. "We are pleased to be part of this organization through our charitable involvement."