Community and business leader Elaine Frank was honored on her 100th birthday at the April meeting of the JUF Board of Directors. She was given a plaque “in recognition of a lifetime of generosity and service to the Jewish community.”

At the event, JUF President Dr. Steven B. Nasatir called Frank “a truly beloved matriarch,” thanking her for her “vision, passion, caring and commitment” and wishing her “‘Mazel Tov’ on this wonderful milestone.” Twenty-two members of the Frank family, and past and present JCC leaders, also took this special opportunity to honor her.

In 1992, Frank received the Julius Rosenwald award, the Chicago Jewish community’s highest honor. Her lifetime of community service included serving as a vice president of Chicago’s Federation from 1975 to 1981 . Serving on its inaugural Legacies and Endowments committee, she helped launch Federation’s endowment program.

Frank became the first woman president of any local Federation agency when she became the president of JCC. “Elaine and her family have made JCC an important beneficiary of their dedication and service for nearly 70 years,” Nasatir said. “She ensured that Jewish camping experiences would be a part of every child’s life.”

Frank graduated from the University of Chicago Business School, one of only three women in a class of 1,000. “She wasn’t making a point,” Nasatir noted. “Elaine just loved business.” She went on to serve as president and chair of Frank Enterprises, which included: Z Frank Chevrolet; National Car Rental; Wheels, Inc.; Business Travel International; and even Leaf Candy.

“Regardless what was asked of Elaine, nothing was ever too big, too hard, or too much for her. She always says ‘Yes,'” recalled Nasatir. “Elaine has inherited- and extended- a most extraordinary family legacy.”