Women IN Philanthropy: The MaIN Event - Virtual

In times of crisis like we’re experiencing in Israel today, human connection reminds us we are not alone, and we are not powerless. We invite you to find strength, solidarity, and support in our Women IN Philanthropy community.

During our meaningful program, we will honor Judy Immerman Payne, recipient of the 2023 Irene Zehman Volunteer Award.

You will have the opportunity to make your gift to both the 2024 Campaign for Jewish Needs and the Israel Emergency Campaign.

Judy Immerman Payne

Recipient of the Irene Zehman Volunteer Award

Judy Immerman Payne is the founding executive director of Goods Bank NEO, a nonprofit that works with and supports nonprofits, schools, and faith organizations throughout northeast Ohio. The organization helps these partners obtain the supplies they need to run their programs and meet the needs of the people they serve, thanks to generous corporate donations.

After an early career in fundraising and public relations, living all over the world and then raising her beautiful children Josh and Lisha in Cleveland, Judy knew she needed to do something to make a difference. And so she’s done it – twice - with the Cleveland Little Free Library Movement and Kids’ Book Bank, and Goods Bank NEO. Through her leadership with these organizations, Judy has helped get more than 2.5 million books into the hands of underserved children and families, and 200+ nonprofits have brand new products with which to serve their own clients.

The Irene Zehman Volunteer Award recognizes a woman, group of women, or a women’s organization whose efforts on behalf of the Cleveland Jewish community demonstrate the highest ideals and practices of volunteer service. This award was established in 1980 by Roslyn Z. Wolf and Judith Z. Sherman, both of blessed memory, in loving memory of their mother, Irene Zehman, who personified the attributes this award celebrates.