Dr. Bill and Mrs. Ruth Frank: Creating a Charitable Gift Annuity in Support of AFHU’s Mission

Dr. Bill and Ruth Frank, AFHU Guardians whose names are inscribed on the Wall of Life, have been longstanding supporters of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Married for 66 joy-filled years, the Los Angeles couple share an abiding commitment to their family and to their Hebrew University “family” in Israel.

  “Real happiness comes through helping others,” says Bill.  A retired dentist and humanitarian who has worked in support of many philanthropies, Bill has been an active Rotarian for 56 years. Committed to medical and dental research and treatment, he was a leader in Rotary International’s campaign to eradicate polio, a disease with which Ruth was afflicted in 1950 and fought long and hard to overcome.  He and Ruth maintain a similar devotion to fostering higher education, helping to assure that knowledge and professional training are accessible to people of every faith, culture and background.

Mrs. Ruth and Dr. Bill Frank

  “Education is the answer to most of the problems in our world,” stated Bill. “The Hebrew University has always been a beacon to us and we have always been impressed by the faculty, students and university leaders.” 

“Philanthropy brings us joy and fulfillment” said Ruth, who is deeply committed to Hebrew University students. “It is heartwarming to read their letters of acknowledgement. Those students who receive scholarships are inspired to do good things for Israel and the world.”  Bill acknowledged that many Israeli students can’t afford a “first-class education” without financial aid, which prompted their desire to help.  

In order to foster the university’s ongoing success, Bill and Ruth Frank created a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) through AFHU.   Bill Frank explained: “A CGA is beneficial to all concerned.  The income is helpful, although that’s not our main objective.  We want to support the wonderful things that Hebrew University accomplishes not just for the Jewish people, but for the benefit of all people.”   

  Raised in Silver City, New Mexico, Bill grew up in a tiny Western town comprised of 2,500 people: “The closest synagogue was 150 miles away in El Paso, where I had my Bar Mitzvah.”  He served in World War II as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Air Corp.

After graduating with academic honors from USC’s School of Dentistry, Bill practiced dental medicine for five decades. He is a former president of the L.A. Alpha Omega Alumni Dental Fraternity, which helped to found The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, and respects the School’s efforts to provide quality dental care and dental education to people in Israel, throughout the Middle East and in developing nations.  

Ruth was born in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA with a major in education. She taught school in Maryland, when she and Bill were first married. Describing herself as “blessed” with friends, family and a legacy of rich experiences, Ruth stated: “I hope that Bill and I set a good example for our children while they were growing up.”  Ruth and Bill Frank have created a legacy that will endure in perpetuity, and which shares their blessings with others. 

For further information about how to create a planned gift through AFHU, please contact plannedgiving@afhu.org or contact an AFHU office in your region.