Jewish life has always been important for Cindi Samson and the strong foundation that her parents gave her is very much part of who she is today.   As a young girl growing up in the suburbs of Milwaukee, her family was fairly religious, celebrating the holidays and observing Shabbat, her dad Paul was the president of the local temple and her mother Betty was a leader with Hadassah.  

Summers were special times for Cindi, enjoying her time at Camp Interlaken, a Jewish residential camp in Eagle River, Wisconsin.  After many years as a camper, Cindi later was a counselor and camp director.  It was also at Camp Interlaken that Cindi met her husband David, who was the waterfront director.

 The couple tied the knot over 18 years ago in Wisconsin and moved to New York while David was attending law school and Cindi worked as a director of a Jewish Day school.  David went to work at Morgan Stanley and later with the Montreal Expos and began commuting between New York City and Montreal.     David, a lifelong sports fan happily relocated from Montreal to Florida to work with the Florida Marlins in 2002. 

The young family moved to Plantation and Cindi decided to become involved with community activities for a social outlet.   Lisa Tabatchnick, a neighbor, suggested Cindi try some of the Federation events, and Cindi loved the idea of meeting new people and making a difference in the community.  “This is how I made my closest friends in the area,” Cindi recalls.   

“Now I am the Campaign Chair for the Women’s Division and I think I can teach my children to give back to the community where you live.”   Cindi and David have three children, Hannah, 13, Kyra, 11 and Caleb 5.   Following the family tradition, the older girls are attending Camp Interlaken, following in their parent’s footsteps.  

“I try to inspire my own children and motivate others to get involved with Broward Federation,” Cindy explains.  “you can walk through the day with blinders on and if I can show them there is a need, once they see it, then they can understand it better.”   Cindi’s role model has been Federation’s own Debbie Gober, a tireless volunteer for the organization.  “She is always happy and smiling and she does everything she is asked to do and does it well!” 

The Samsons have planted their roots in South Florida and are leading a very busy life, with three children and David’s hectic  schedule with the Marlins.   “I have a very supportive husband and family, and I use a lot of time management skills.”   Whatever challenges lay ahead for the Federation and the community, Cindi is still encouraged.    Cindi has become a most valuable team player!!

Tags: Cindi Samson, Jewish Federation of Broward County

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