Donor comes forward to keep Oak Park Jewish Community Center from closing

Board considered closing location because it was losing around $800K each year

OAK PARK, Mich. – An anonymous donor has stepped up to save the Oak Park Jewish Community Center from shutting down.

Earlier this year, the board was considering closing the location because it was losing around $800,000 each year.

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A benefactor has now come forward to not only keep the JCC open, but to help renovate it as well. The donor has chosen to remain anonymous at this time, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit said.

The building itself will continue to be named for Jimmy Prentis Morris, and will honor the legacy of past donors.

"This is an extremely positive and exciting milestone for this community," Jewish Federation President Lawrence A. Wolfe said. "Finding a way to maintain a community facility in this area has been a priority for us since the decision was made for Jewish Community Center to cease operations here. Thanks to the vision and commitment of many people, but especially the donor, JPM will continue to serve the community long into the future. I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous effort and assistance of Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan."

The agreement still has to be reviewed and approved by the board, so it's not quite a done deal just yet.