The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Foundation and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh today announced a $375,000 grant, distributed over five years, from the Arthur J. and Betty F. Diskin Cultural Endowment Fund to strengthen and expand the JCC School of Dance.

The Diskin Fund honors Arthur J. Diskin, a respected Pittsburgh attorney, and Betty F. Diskin, a lifelong devotee of the performing arts who was active in local theater, including Little Lake Theater and the original Pittsburgh Playhouse. Betty established the Fund to honor Arthur’s memory, and it is administered by the Federation’s Foundation to support cultural, educational and civic organizations across the region, with particular attention to music and theater. The Diskin Fund is one of many funds the Foundation administers on behalf of donors who want their giving to reflect what they care about most, and the Foundation welcomes the opportunity to help new donors create funds of their own.

“One of our most important responsibilities as trustees is preserving the intent behind the Diskin family’s generosity. This investment in the JCC Dance program reflects the very purpose of the Fund: supporting arts organizations that enrich lives and strengthen our community,” said Fund trustee Nancy Rackoff. Sharon Perelman, who is also a trustee of the Fund, said, “We believe Betty Diskin would be delighted to see her family’s legacy helping young people discover their talents and pursue their love of the performing arts.”

“Betty Diskin left an extraordinary legacy in Pittsburgh, grounded in her belief in the arts, young people and the importance of creating opportunities for others,” said Jason Kunzman, President and CEO of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh. “We are deeply honored that her legacy will live on here, in spaces filled with young people learning, performing, building confidence and discovering what they are capable of.”

The JCC School of Dance serves students from preschool through high school, combining strong technical instruction with an emphasis on confidence, creativity, discipline and belonging. The grant will fund professional sprung flooring in dance studios and the Katz Theater, upgrades to lighting and sound, and dedicated annual scholarship support to help the JCC attract new dancers and keep training accessible as students advance.

“Dance becomes an important community for so many of our students,” said Kathy Wayne, JCC Dance Director. “They grow up here. They develop skills, confidence and friendships, and many eventually become mentors to younger dancers. These improvements will allow us to give them the kind of environment they deserve and open that experience to more young people.”

The new dance floor in the Robinson Dance Studio is expected to be completed this month, with Katz Theater improvements beginning in November — the first steps in a five-year effort to strengthen the School of Dance’s spaces, training and accessibility.

This grant reflects the Federation’s mission to build a flourishing Jewish community where everyone feels included, supported and inspired. It also reflects the JCC’s mission to nurture people and connect community across every stage of life, in an environment inspired by Jewish values.

Media Contact — JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Fara Marcus, Chief Development and Marketing Officer, 412-339-5413, fmarcus@jccpgh.org

Media Contact — Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh David Heyman, Associate Vice President, Marketing, 412-992-5217, dheyman@jfedpgh.org