
PAMELA BENNETT
the POWER OF EMPLOYEE donor MATCHING
For nearly 40 years, Pamela Bennett has called Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills her spiritual home. From enrolling her daughter Allison in religious school as a kindergartener to forming lasting bonds with clergy and fellow congregants, Pamela’s journey with the temple is a testament to the power of community and continuity.
“It has always been a place of spirituality and comfort for me. It’s about having a place to turn to during significant moments, whether in times of celebration or crisis,” she reflects. “I remember being here after 9/11, after October 7—it’s where I seek solace and strength.”
Pamela’s commitment to Temple Emanuel extends beyond participation—she actively seeks ways to give back. When she discovered that her employer, J.P. Morgan, offered a donor matching program, she immediately took action.
“This is the first time I’ve worked for a company with an employer match, and when I learned about it, I wanted to see if Temple Emanuel was eligible,” she explains. “It wasn’t listed initially, but I went through the process of registering it, and thankfully, it worked.”
The process involved connecting J.P. Morgan with our directorial team, ensuring the necessary documentation, such as nonprofit tax information, was in place. Pamela’s employer matched a portion of her donation, increasing her impact and further supporting the temple’s mission.
“I realized that, of all the places I could donate, the temple meant the most to me. It’s one thing to give to a large national nonprofit, but knowing my donation—plus the match—was going directly to my own community made it incredibly meaningful.”
Pamela encourages fellow congregants to explore whether their own employers offer similar programs. “Many large companies have these matching initiatives, but people don’t always know about them. It doesn’t hurt to check! Even if you work for a branch office of a larger corporation, there’s a good chance they participate. Why not take advantage of it?”
As she looks ahead, Pamela remains deeply connected to our community and is preparing for a major family milestone—her grandson’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah in Washington, D.C.
Pamela’s story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s dedication and initiative can amplify the strength of a community. Her generosity and advocacy for employer-matched giving ensure that Temple Emanuel continues to thrive for generations to come.
To learn more about how you can support Temple Emanuel’s funds and/or programs, or for additional information, email Sara Hiner at [email protected] or call her at 310-409-4646.