William Jefferson Clinton, former President of the United States, praised the life and work of Lew Rudin. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Former President William Jefferson Clinton came to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan to honor the legacy and generosity of Lew Rudin, “Mr. New York,” on the tenth anniversary of his death. Rudin, co-chairman of Rudin Management Company, died in 2001. Throughout New York, in cultural institutions and hospitals, universities and organizations dedicated to a better New York, and Jewish organizations across the board, Lew Rudin’s tzedakah (philanthropic charity) was well known. His deep and personal commitment to bettering the lives  of all New Yorkers was/is exemplified by “First Tee,” a mentoring organization he founded that uses positive values, including “honesty, integrity, perseverance and discipline through golf to help build the lives of young people in New York.

Rudin was involved with a plethora of Jewish charitable organizations including the United Jewish Appeal and the Hebrew Free Loan Society.  In its tribute, the board of UJA-Federation of New York noted “his unwavering commitment to the Jewish community, saying his “compassion and support helped sustain UJA-Federation’s diverse network.”

An “outspoken activist in the fight against hate crimes and anti-Semitism,” Rudin was a member of Central Synagogue in New York City, and a supporter of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and The Jewish Theological Seminary. JTS noted that he was “a lifelong philanthropist committed to Judaism and Jewish causes.”

William Rudin is continuing the work initiated by his father. Both he and his son, Michael, are members of the Board of Directors of First Tee, which, in ten years, has influenced the lives of more than 5,000 active participants at more than 18 connected sites.

President Clinton presented the first "Lew Rudin Vision Award" to Michael Rudin, a member of the Board of Trustees of First Tee and grandson of the founder, who accepted on belhalf of his family. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

William Rudin, head of Rudin Management, praised the legacy of his father, Lew Rudin. He continues the foundation founded by his late father. Photo: Maxine Dovere.