The Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF), a private charitable organization, kicked off the holiday season with a $150,000 gift to The Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey. The gift, to be distributed over the next two years, will be used to support the museum’s on-going commitment to developing awareness and appreciation of American art among a broad audience.
“The Charles Lafitte Foundation sincerely believes in fostering the growth of new artists, investing in established artists, and expanding access to the arts,” said Jeffrey Citron, co-founder and board member, Charles Lafitte Foundation. “We believe that art is a vital cultural expression, and by supporting this museum, we are enriching our local community.”
Originally opened in 1913, The Montclair Art Museum continues to create meaningful artistic experiences for children and adults. The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting high-quality American and Native American art. The Museum’s permanent collection includes more than 15,000 works in various mediums. Collection highlights include The George Inness Gallery, “Varied Visions and Affinities,” which features works by both European-born American artists and Native American artists, and a gallery that explores nature and urban life in modern contemporary art.
About The Charles Lafitte Foundation:
The Charles Lafitte Foundation is a private philanthropic organization founded by Suzanne and Jeffrey Citron. A multifaceted, multi-purposed organization comprised of four distinct project areas, CLF strives to affect innovative change in the areas of education, children’s advocacy, medical research and the arts. Contributions range from single donations to on-going project funding and volunteer work. Grant proposals may be submitted via the organization’s web site, www.charleslafitte.org. Preference is given to proposals and programs that foster significant change for many individuals.
About Jeffrey Citron:
Jeffrey Citron is a technology pioneer and visionary who transformed the financial services industry. As Chairman and CEO of Vonage, Mr. Citron aims to redefine yet another industry — telecommunications.
Some of the more revolutionary financial services developments over the past decade were spearheaded by Mr. Citron. In 1995, Mr. Citron founded The Island ECN, a computerized trading system designed to eliminate the problems associated with order execution. The Island ECN recently was acquired by Instinet Group for 503 million dollars. Today the newly merged company is one of the largest global financial exchanges, and is responsible for more than one in four NASDAQ trades.
Following on the success of The Island ECN, Mr. Citron founded and became the Chairman and CEO of Datek Online Holdings Corp. as Datek transitioned into the online brokerage industry. Under his leadership, Datek had grown to become the fourth largest online brokerage in the US, and was recently acquired by Ameritrade Holdings for 1.3 billion dollars. The newly merged company with nearly 3 million customers is now the second largest online financial services firm behind the Charles Schwab Company. Mr. Citron departed Datek in 1999 and, recognizing a similar opportunity, founded Vonage.
Apart from his entrepreneurial activities, Mr. Citron is continually pursuing philanthropic initiatives. He currently serves on the board of the Montclair Art Museum and through his family foundation routinely funds medical research, supports the Arts and dedicates his time and resources to children’s charities.
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For more information, contact:
Ruder Finn
212.715.1694
woodsa@ruderfinn.com
Jennifer Vertetis
Charles Lafitte Foundation
Contact Jennifer here