Elaine (of blessed memory) and Alvin Mintzes: A Lifetime of Giving

"Alvin wanted to leave the world a better place than he found it," said Baltimore resident Elaine Mintzes of her late husband, "and he recognized that the only way to enjoy tzedakah was to look at the dividends while he was alive."

Alvin's desire to improve the world — a calling he and Elaine shared — led the couple to become committed philanthropists. Early on in their marriage, the Mintzes made it a priority to give back. "We began to support and volunteer for a variety of causes," Mrs. Mintzes explained. "We weren't limited to Jewish causes. We have given to schools, hospitals, politics of every kind, libraries, and more."

Today the Mintzes have supported a total of 47 organizations in the United States and abroad and have helped raise $15 million. Mrs. Mintzes's home is filled with awards, certificates, and plaques recognizing the couple's vision, generosity, and impact.

Almost 20 years ago, the Mintzes decided to make the Weizmann Institute part of their legacy by creating a fund in their names. Mrs. Mintzes has since increased that gift through her estate.

Having been to Israel ten times, Mrs. Mintzes admired the Institute and its founder — Dr. Chaim Weizmann. "Dr. Weizmann has a global image as a scientist, with many inventions and patents that have benefited humanity," she said. "The Weizmann Institute has an international reach." She has also had the opportunity to visit the Institute's campus: "It has an aura of promoting research that leads to important findings in the field of health."

Mrs. Mintzes has designated the couple's gift to support Weizmann's pioneering investigations of neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders — an area of research her husband would have been proud to promote. At the age of 16, Alvin was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle to a neighborhood floral shop. As a result of his injuries, his doctors believed he would not be able to pursue higher education.

"He was told he would never amount to anything," Mrs. Mintzes said, "but he ignored it all and went on to have an indescribably brilliant career."

Alvin attended law school at New York University, where he met his future wife — one of the few women in the class of 1953. Elaine earned her BA at the University of Wisconsin and completed graduate work in economics and sociology at the University of Michigan. Alvin found in her an intellectual partner and someone who shared his desire to make a difference.

In addition to practicing law, Alvin also became a CPA. Elaine applied her legal background to a career in real estate. As they achieved professional success, they also deepened their commitment to the causes they believed in.

"We bought our first Israel Bond in 1953, when we didn't have much money," Mrs. Mintzes recalled. "Since then, we've purchased a huge number of bonds. We have a pin for every year."

They were also deeply involved in advocating for the rights of Soviet Jewry. Prior to the fall of the USSR, they traveled to Russia — bringing medicine and other essentials to dissidents and refuseniks.

At 49, Alvin's vibrant career came to a halt when neurologists discovered adhesions — thick skin covering areas where the brain normally has open spaces. "The doctors suspected it was either age-related disease or MS, both of which were very bad diagnoses," Mrs. Mintzes said.

Although he was unable to continue his law practice, Alvin was determined to contribute to society. He served as a volunteer for various organizations until he passed away at the age of 80. On his grave are the words "kin to Micah," a prophet whose message was to "act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Mrs. Mintzes feels the description perfectly fits her husband and his mission to help shape a brighter world. And she's proud to carry forward their shared purpose through her charitable giving to the Weizmann Institute and other worthy causes. Asked what has motivated her visionary philanthropy, she responds simply, "It's the right thing to do."