Robert I. Lappin used to be a familiar sight on Lafayette Street in Salem, where he would rollerblade to work from his home in Swampscott. The ponytail made him unmistakable. But Lappin is 87 now, and gave up the skates about a year and a half ago.

This week, Lappin honored a promise. He and his family donated $5 million to restore the retirement savings of about 60 employees of various family enterprises, including the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The charity was almost wiped out when the Ponzi scheme run by Bernard Madoff collapsed. Lappin and his family had invested all of their employees’ 401(k) retirement plans with Madoff more than a decade ago. (more…)

Odessa’s Jewish Orphanage Expands, Thanks to U.S. Philanthropist Mouli Cohen.

ODESSA — Launched ten years ago by the local Jewish community, an orphanage in Odessa, has experienced growth and success in recent months thanks to donations by philanthropist Mouli Cohen and his wife Stacy Cohen. The orphanage currently provides a home to 55 South Ukrainian boys and girls whose parents were either alcoholics, drug addicts or generally unwell. Some of the children have suffered from violence, others have been orphaned by one of their parents and their relatives are unable to raise them. (more…)