Spirited Commitment

Liquor baron and long-time president of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Samuel Bronfman and fellow philanthropist and wife, Saidye, were undeniably influential figures in the history of Montreal and have left a global legacy that continues to advance cultural, social, legal, political and Jewish causes. One aspect of their enduring memory and contribution to society is a leading Canadian philanthropic organization, the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation (SSBFF). "Spirited Commitment" is an ever-fascinating history of the evolution of the SSBFF from Sam and Saidye's original guidance, to the negotiation of interests, beliefs, and personalities between their children, and the leadership of arts gurus Peter Swann and John Hobday. Showing how the SSBFF has balanced its commitments to Jewish charitable causes and to Canadian culture, "Spirited Commitment" explores how the Foundation dealt with the challenge of respecting the wishes of its famous founders while still making a difference in contemporary Canadian society. A detailed account of the Foundation's numerous programs over three decades - including the Centre for Cultural Management and the Saidye Bronfman Centre - highlights the innovations that SSBFF grants have led to in the arts, community development and scientific research. An illuminating and vibrant portrait of the personalities, motivations and strategies behind the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation, "Spirited Commitment" is a revealing, insightful account of the inner workings of philanthropic foundations.