Two sisters have committed up to $20 million to support a Los Angeles museum founded by their father, a Holocaust survivor. The donation includes an immediate contribution of $10 million, while the remaining $10 million will be provided through a matching grant.The gift has been made by Andrea Goldrich Cayton and Melinda Goldrich in memory of their father, Jona Goldrich. The Goldrich Cultural Center, which houses Holocaust Museum LA, announced the commitment at its annual gala on Tuesday night.According to eJewishPhilanthropy (eJP), the centre described the donation as the largest in its 65-year history. The event was held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.Under the arrangement, the sisters will provide $10 million to the centre immediately. They have also committed another $10 million through a challenge grant. Under this arrangement, they will match every new pledge exceeding $25,000 until the end of 2027, up to a total of $10 million.The matching support is intended to encourage additional contributions towards the institution’s future. The centre said the commitment would help it continue its work in the coming years.
Sisters describe donation as a tribute to their father
Andrea Goldrich Cayton said the donation was a way for the sisters to continue their father’s legacy and support the museum’s work.“In memory of those we lost, my sister and I have joined in this mission as a legacy to our father,” Goldrich Cayton said in a statement. “The ongoing education provided by this museum and campus is something we feel we must support.”Her sister, Melinda Goldrich, described the campus as the fulfilment of their father’s lifelong dream. She said it was a place for learning, community and hope.The sisters made the contribution in honour of Jona Goldrich, who survived the Holocaust and helped establish the museum.Beth Kean, CEO of the Goldrich Cultural Center, said the donation would support the institution’s future.The gift “will ensure The Goldrich thrives for future generations,” Kean said. She added that the sisters were carrying forward their father’s legacy and wishes.
Annual gala honours museum supporters
The donation was announced during the centre’s annual gala, which also recognised board members and supporters.Actor Emmanuelle Chriqui hosted the event. Real estate developer and civic leader Rick Caruso served as its honorary chair.Several people associated with the museum and its work received awards during the evening.Alan Rothenberg received the Roz and Abner Goldstine Advocacy Award. He was recognised for his work as chair of the committee behind the centre’s first exhibition on soccer, titled “The Beautiful Game… The Untold Story”.Rothenberg was the chief executive of the 1994 World Cup in California and one of the founders of Major League Soccer.Architect Hagy Belzberg received the Jona Goldrich Visionary Award. He has been a longtime board member and designed both the original Holocaust Museum LA building and its expanded campus.Jennifer Solomon, co-chair of the museum’s docent corps, received the Legacy Award.