Sheryl and Randy Rutzick
Volunteers
Randy Rutzick’s Sholom journey began in the mid-1970’s when his grandparents resided at Sholom Home in St. Paul. He vividly recalls how his parents supported Sholom by attending the Sholom Ball, one of the biggest and most important events of the year. Even as a teenager, he could see the important function Sholom was providing to the Jewish community…and how the Jewish community supported Sholom in return.
After his mother passed away in 2010, his father Yale moved into Knollwood Place Apartments. “He loved it there, and he belonged there,” Randy said. “This was the perfect place for the next phase of his life.”
Randy’s wife Sheryl, who grew up in Connecticut, saw first-hand her father-in-law’s experience at Knollwood and Sholom, and she was hooked. That launched 15 years of volunteer service that continues today. In earlier years, she worked in the gift shop at Sholom, started making knishes, and joined the Auxiliary. From there she joined the Board and became President of the Auxiliary, a role she held for many years. Currently, Sheryl volunteers for the Opening Minds through Art program for persons with dementia, helps at the Menorah Plaza Food Shelf, and calls a mean game of Bingo on Monday nights.
“My favorite thing is Sheryl helps me plant flowers and maintain the Sholom courtyard, something I committed to my Dad I would do,” Randy shared. “My family has received a lot from Sholom over the years…this is just us giving back.”