Temple Emanu-El honors Lakewood Ranch couple

Sarasota's Samantha Rudolph always will be grateful for the college scholarship she received from Susan and Randy Mallitz through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

But the money — her younger brother, Harrison Rudolph, also was presented a scholarship — was just one part of the generosity which has led Rudolph to being an auditor at  Kerkering Barberio in Sarasota and Harrison an underwriter at Chubb in Chicago.

"We would not be where we are without Randy and Susan and we will continue this relationship for years to come," said Samantha Rudolph, who is now 25. "Not only did they help us get through college when we needed assistance, but they provided a strong and healthy mentorship we always will treasure. They are only a phone call away and they are always there for us, no matter what we might need."

The Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman said the extraordinary passion for philanthropy shown by Susan and Randy Mallitz had led to the Lakewood Ranch couple being honored at Temple Emanu-El with a Gala Champagne Brunch Feb. 16. The event included readings from a book of tributes from family and friends and music by the Sarasota Orchestra. 

"These are two of the most wonderful, generous people," Glickman said. "They are open and giving on every level."

Glickman said their personal involvement with every cause they support sets them apart.

"They remember your name, and your children's names," she said. "They are significant to not only our temple, but to the wider community."

Samantha Rudolph said she is elated Susan and Randy Mallitz are being honored.

"What they have done not only for us, but for a vast amount of organizations in the community, is truly amazing," she said.

Looking at their schedules, the retired couple probably had a hard time making time to be honored. The list of organizations they support — such as Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, SANCA, Jewish Family and Children's Services, Coming Together Against Cancer, Embracing Our Differences, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, the Jewish Housing Council Federation and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation — goes on and on.

"We're going to go 1,000 miles an hour until we can't ," Susan Mallitz said. 

Although retired, Randy Mallitz said he spends time five to six days a week in preparation for or attending a meeting of some kind. His wife is just about as busy.

Randy Mallitz does make time to play tennis about four times a week and he is loving the tennis facility at Esplanade, where they have lived for nine months after "downsizing" from the Lake Club. 

They have been married 54 years after meeting as teenagers while growing up in Philadelphia. Their careers took them to Dayton, Ohio for 16 years and Indianapolis for 16 years before they moved to the Lake Club in 2009.

Susan Mallitz said their first major involvement in philanthropy came at the Indiana State Soldiers' Home in Indianapolis. They would help veterans' children who were in need and who would come to the facility with "all their worldly possessions in a box."

They would take the children shopping and they almost had to force them to accept gifts. But their generosity was rewarded.

"The notes we received were incredible," Susan Mallitz said.

Her husband had built his career as the CEO of companies such as E-A-R Specialty Composites, which designs materials that eliminate excess noise, vibration and shock for everything from electronics to aircraft. A medical technologist and rehab counselor when they lived in Ohio, she landed her favorite job as a personal shopper for Nordstrom when they lived in Indianapolis and received the city's ROSE (Recognition Of Service Excellence) Award.

Along the way, they raised their children, David (who now lives in Tampa) and Craig (who lives in the Lake Club). They have five grandchildren.

Randy Mallitz said his extensive traveling around the world has fueled his philanthropy.

"We were just in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand," he said. "You see eight to 10 people living in a hut. They live off the land and water is their means of transportation. What I love about this country is you can be what you want to be. I was blessed with wonderful mentors."

The gift of funding and their time led to their tribute at Temple Emanu-El.

"I don't love to make a big tadoo about it," Susan Mallitz said. "But the outpouring has been overwhelming. Truly beautiful.

"We have a wonderful family and we've been fortunate. Nobody handed us one thing. Our kids have seen what we have done and they want to do something similar. That's the best thing."