United Way Miami Presented Highest Philanthropic Honor to the Mendelson Family
The family received the Tocqueville Award For Outstanding Philanthropy for their service, dedication to the South Florida community
MIAMI, FL – March 22, 2022- The Mendelson family – Laurans and Arlene; Kim and Eric; and Lisa and Victor Mendelson received United Way Miami’s Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy in recognition of their advancement of Miami and extraordinary contributions to its residents. The family was honored at the Tocqueville Society Grand Reception on March 16 at the home of Jennifer and Javier Cervera in Coral Gables. The evening was sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels and City National Bank as well as Andy Ansin and Goldman Sachs.
“The Mendelson’s have been invaluable supporters of Miami for generations,” said Joe Zubi, interim President and CEO, United Way Miami. “Their generosity, hard work and constant involvement in the community has benefited countless individuals and organizations across Miami. It was an honor to present this award to the family for their dedication in helping shape the future of Miami for years to come.”
Since 2008, the Mendelson’s have supported United Way Miami and became Tocqueville Society members between 2011 and 2013. Over the last few years, the family has made significant contributions to United Way’s Center for Excellence in Early Education – augmenting their work to ensure all children have access to the highest quality early care and education. Lisa Mendelson served on United Way Miami’s board of directors for nine years and Executive committee for six. During her tenure, she lobbied for early education policy both in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. and as a hands-on volunteer with United Way’s ReadingPals program. Lisa served as co-chair of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education committee for two years and is a current committee member. Her leadership was recognized with the 2021 Donor Next Door Award for her dedication.
“The Mendelson family exemplifies the meaning of community and service,” says Jayne Abess, United Way Miami board chair emeritus. Their incredibly generous support throughout the years has been instrumental in helping us live our mission – particularly for our work in early education,” continued Abess.
Rooted in family values, the Mendelson family exemplifies the meaning of community and service. They have a united passion for giving back to their community, particularly in the areas of education, arts, culture, Jewish advocacy and health. In addition to United Way Miami, they also support organizations like Columbia University, University of Miami, Teach for America, South Florida PBS, Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, Frost Museum of Science, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Baptist Health South Florida, Everglades Foundation, St. Thomas University, Florida Grand Opera and more.
Their strong family bond is also the reason why they have immense success in their business. For 32 years, Laurans, Eric and Victor Mendelson have led the NYSE listed aerospace and electronics technologies company, HEICO Corporation. Based in Hollywood, Florida, HEICO is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of FAA-approved, non-OEM aircraft replacement parts and a leading designer and manufacturer of niche electronic components for aerospace, defense, medical, satellite and other applications. Known as the largest aerospace company headquartered in South Florida – HEICO employs about 6,000 people and has operating facilities in 20 states and 13 countries. They have acquired 89 companies.
As a family, the Mendelson’s have been recognized for their philanthropic work throughout the years. In 2018, the family was given the National Human Relations Award by the American Jewish Committee for their dedication to the community’s welfare at large and generous spirit. HistoryMiami also awarded them with the prestigious Flagler award for their contributions to the organization.
The 800-member United Way Tocqueville Society contributed nearly $16 million this past year to benefit more than 100 programs and initiatives focused on education, financial stability and health. The society was named after a French immigrant who recognized, celebrated and immortalized the voluntary spirit he witnessed in America during the 1800s. Years later, United Way’s Tocqueville Society continues to honor those individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary sense of philanthropy with remarkably high levels of giving.
More than 300 of Miami’s most philanthropic leaders gathered at the reception. The 800-member United Way Tocqueville Society contributed nearly $16 million this past year to benefit more than 100 programs and initiatives focused on education, financial stability and health. The society was named after a French historian who recognized, celebrated and immortalized the voluntary spirit he witnessed in America during the 1800s. Years later, United Way’s Tocqueville Society continues to honor those individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary sense of philanthropy with remarkably high levels of giving.
