The Michael W Leibowitz Family Fund
Established in loving memory of Michael W Leibowitz
Beloved by family, friends, and colleagues, Michael was deeply committed to philanthropy. To honor his legacy, his family created this fund to support the charitable causes closest to his heart.
The Michael W Leibowitz Family Fund aims to make a lasting positive impact. Through these efforts, Michael’s generous spirit and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire and uplift those in need.
Please see the bottom of the page for more details on our fund, causes, and how we support our communities.
Miles for Michael Run, Walk, & Children’s Dash
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Location: Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, SC
Join us for the Miles for Michael Run, Walk, & Children’s Dash, a heartfelt 5.12k in memory of Michael Leibowitz, whose inspiring motto was, “If I can do it, so can you.” This event celebrates Michael’s legacy of determination, resilience, and positivity, bringing together the community he loved. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering on the kids in the Children’s Dash, this day is about honoring his spirit and making strides for a cause close to his heart.
Come be part of this meaningful tribute and help us carry Michael’s legacy forward. Let’s make every step count!
Michael W Leibowitz
Lifetime Service Award
“Today and throughout much of this week, we are honouring Michael Leibowitz and celebrating his legacy of service and dedication and the profound impact his service has had on our industry and lives.
For me and many of you, Michael was more than a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, a confidant, and a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. It is impossible to sum up his profound impact on our community, our work, and many of us personally.
Michael believed that our industry wasn’t just about progress or profits; it was about people.”
Pictured to the left – Judy Craik and Gary Kerner introduced the award, and Michael’s daughters, Abby and Rebecca, and their partners received at the CAM-X 2024 Conference.
Click Here to Learn MoreObituary, Funeral, and Photos
Born in Madison, Wis., on May 12, 1953, he was the son of Eileen Leibowitz and the late Herschel Leibowitz, of State College, Pa. Michael grew up in Madison and State College – where he notably skipped the fifth grade at Radio Park Elementary – and later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He settled in Charleston in 1979, where his proudest accomplishments, his children, were born.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Leibowitz Engel (Aaron) and Abigail Leibowitz (Joe Nierstedt), and grandchildren, Hirsh Leibowitz Pearson, Thea Pearson, Edith Engel, and Sophia Engel, all of Charleston. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Leibowitz Milgrub (Rick), of State College, as well as nieces and nephews who all have an appreciation for Mike’s unique “Leibo-worthy” humor…
More About the Michael W Leibowitz Family Fund
Miles for Michael 5.12k
The Miles for Michael run/walk is more than just an event—it’s a way to carry forward the generosity and spirit of Michael, ensuring that his legacy of giving continues for generations. The fund is established through the Jewish Endowment Foundation of South Carolina, providing a lasting vehicle for philanthropy that reflects Michael’s values and the causes he cared deeply about.
About Our Fund Partners
Our fund is held at the Jewish Endowment Foundation of SC, which assists philanthropists in fulfilling their charitable wishes to ensure the security and continued growth of Jewish life and the broader community’s needs. This foundation provides a structured way to continue tzedakah (charitable giving) across generations. The Coastal Community Foundation of SC manages JEFSC’s funds. More about the Jewish Endowment Foundation can be found here.
The Causes We Support
Michael’s philanthropy reached many meaningful causes, and the Michael W Leibowitz Family Fund will continue in this tradition. Some of the organizations he supported in recent years include:
Education Initiatives – Funding programs at Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania, and aviation scholarships at Coastal Carolina University.
Jewish Community Support – Contributions to local synagogues, Addlestone Hebrew Academy, and the Charleston Jewish Federation to strengthen Jewish life.
Art for Healing – Supporting creative expression as a tool for emotional well-being. Moving forward, the fund will continue to be given to causes aligned with Michael’s values, and we will also be accepting applications for funding requests in future years.
A Legacy of Giving: L’dor V’dor – Michael often said L’dor V’dor — “from generation to generation.” This principle is at the heart of the Michael W Leibowitz Family Fund. His children and grandchildren will direct the fund, ensuring that his passion for philanthropy continues to grow and evolve for years. By supporting this fund, you are contributing to a legacy of giving that will impact lives for generations.
