By Craig Gilden | August 2021

When Marvin Schrager moved to Austin in 1988 to be closer to family, he read the Jewish Outlook to help him learn about the community. Luckily for HFLA, a 2014 article about the newly formed organization stuck out to him and he decided to reach out to co-founder Tracy Solomon to learn more. The connection began a relationship between Schrager and HFLA in which he has supported and assisted the organization, including the past seven years on the board. Schrager and his wife are now moving to Las Vegas to be closer to their kids and grandkids, but he leaves behind a legacy of helping HFLA grow and develop into what it is today.

Schrager’s favorite part of the experience is working with loan recipients and helping them get through times of struggle in their lives. “It is the greatest mitzvah being able to help people in need,” said Schrager. “There is no greater joy than sitting across the table from someone who needs help and being able to make a difference in their life and see the satisfaction on their face. Knowing that we put in the work to make that happen is very satisfying.”

He also notes his work in improving HFLA fundraising, heading the loan committee, structuring the governance committee and helping to bring in new board members as work that he is proud of. “It is an easy story to tell (to donors),” he said. “They know that their money is going directly to people and is getting recycled many times over so that it helps many people.”

“Marvin has left a legacy in our entire Austin Jewish community. HFLA was so lucky the day he read an article in the Outlook, when the organization was only a few years old, and reached out about getting involved,” said co-founder Tracy Solomon. “He loved the HFLA interest free loan mission and has been the biggest cheerleader from the beginning. It doesn’t happen very often that a rock star volunteer reaches out and that shows how special Marvin is. Our organization is stronger because of his enthusiastic participation and incredible leadership.” 

As Schrager moves to spend more time with his family, he knows that HFLA is in good hands, emphasizing that the leadership of president Ed Hockfield and president-elect Vicki Osherow positions the organization for a great future. While Schrager will be physically remote from Austin, he continues to dedicate himself to the mission of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, committing to remain on the Board of Directors virtually at this time. “It is great what Tracy and Mike Rotman (of blessed memory) started in terms of serving the community and the organization will only continue to grow with the current leadership,” he said. “It is a working board with active committees and the organization is positioned well with new board members who will become future leaders.”

When Marvin Schrager moved to Austin in 1988 to be closer to family, he read the Jewish Outlook to help him learn about the community. Luckily for HFLA, a 2014 article about the newly formed organization stuck out to him and he decided to reach out to co-founder Tracy Solomon to learn more. The connection began a relationship between Schrager and HFLA in which he has supported and assisted the organization, including the past seven years on the board. Schrager and his wife are now moving to Las Vegas to be closer to their kids and grandkids, but he leaves behind a legacy of helping HFLA grow and develop into what it is today.

Schrager’s favorite part of the experience is working with loan recipients and helping them get through times of struggle in their lives. “It is the greatest mitzvah being able to help people in need,” said Schrager. “There is no greater joy than sitting across the table from someone who needs help and being able to make a difference in their life and see the satisfaction on their face. Knowing that we put in the work to make that happen is very satisfying.”

He also notes his work in improving HFLA fundraising, heading the loan committee, structuring the governance committee and helping to bring in new board members as work that he is proud of. “It is an easy story to tell (to donors),” he said. “They know that their money is going directly to people and is getting recycled many times over so that it helps many people.”

“Marvin has left a legacy in our entire Austin Jewish community. HFLA was so lucky the day he read an article in the Outlook, when the organization was only a few years old, and reached out about getting involved,” said co-founder Tracy Solomon. “He loved the HFLA interest free loan mission and has been the biggest cheerleader from the beginning. It doesn’t happen very often that a rock star volunteer reaches out and that shows how special Marvin is. Our organization is stronger because of his enthusiastic participation and incredible leadership.” 

As Schrager moves to spend more time with his family, he knows that HFLA is in good hands, emphasizing that the leadership of president Ed Hockfield and president-elect Vicki Osherow positions the organization for a great future. While Schrager will be physically remote from Austin, he continues to dedicate himself to the mission of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, committing to remain on the Board of Directors virtually at this time. “It is great what Tracy and Mike Rotman (of blessed memory) started in terms of serving the community and the organization will only continue to grow with the current leadership,” he said. “It is a working board with active committees and the organization is positioned well with new board members who will become future leaders.”