Reflecting on 2023: Hope, Gratitude, and Giving

By Ahmie Baum, CFP® CFBA

The events that are taking shape on the international stage and in our country leave us in a state of grief. Reflecting on 2023, Interchange Capital Partners joins all Americans and people around the world in hoping for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other areas of the world—as well as for greater cooperation and collaboration in the United States. We place our hopes in our own actions and communities, that the good in everyone brings a greater sense of unity throughout the world.

Giving Back

Here are a few of the charities that have held a special place in our hearts and that we have supported.

Israel Emergency Fund

The Israel Emergency Fund is designed to provide aid to the people of Israel. The fund predates the present conflict but is needed perhaps now more than ever. The organization provides cash assistance and support for communities affected by terrorist activity. The fund also serves to rebuild infrastructure and support first responders who have been impacted by conflict.

The Breasties

The Breasties is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting patients, survivors, and their loved ones who have been impacted by breast cancer and gynecologic cancers. The organization fosters community by hosting events and retreats; it also provides educational opportunities to continue to raise awareness about these diseases. 

Additionally, the Breasties maintains an app called The Breasties Cancer Community, which amplifies the voices of patients, survivors, and their support systems.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh

For more than six decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh has been benefiting young people through one-on-one mentoring programs. The organization relies on an evidence-based approach to promote positive outcomes for children facing adversity.

Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to match children with adult volunteers who serve as mentors and role models. Through this program, at-risk youth are empowered to reach their full potential.

Pennies From Heaven

Even healthy young adults face major challenges, and few of them are prepared for serious illnesses. That’s why Pennies from Heaven provides financial assistance and comfort to adults ages 21-30 as they battle cancer. 

Help is especially important for young adults; U.S. Census data reveals that this demographic is the most likely to lack health insurance. Pennies from Heaven provides a financial safety net and offers comfort for patients enduring a difficult journey.

Humane Society

Animal lovers may particularly appreciate The Humane Society, an international animal welfare organization dedicated to alleviating suffering for all animals.

The Humane Society operates numerous programs designed to protect farm animals, wildlife, and pets. The organization operates shelters and provides rescue and adoption services. Chances are that there is a location or affiliate in your area that promotes pet adoption services and other initiatives. 

AQWALIFE

Water scarcity is a serious problem facing the world today and affects one in three people on every continent. Every 15 seconds, a child dies from a waterborne disease; that means 4 children die every minute from a solvable problem.

AQWALIFE is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to providing and facilitating access to safe drinking water in underprivileged areas around the world. Water is so precious but taken for granted. The best news is that we are not waiting for a cure! We have the knowledge—we just need the resources.

JCH Foundation

There is nothing more devastating than losing a child, and even more so when they leave very young children behind. In the Jewish tradition, it is common to say, “May their memory be a blessing.” The Cordial family did just that with the creation of the JCH Foundation in Greensburg, PA, to honor their daughter Jamie who passed away from a postpartum hemorrhage. She left behind two beautiful children, Chloe and Cody, who were only 3½ years and 5 weeks old at the time of her sudden passing. The foundation assists children with deceased parents and other community members in need. 

Reasons for Gratitude

Interchange Capital Partners is proud of what we’ve accomplished as a firm, from expanding our services to forging new partnerships. But we are most grateful for the support of our clients, colleagues, and community. Most importantly, we’re thankful for the opportunity to see our clients flourish.

Looking Forward to 2024

Giving back to the community is an essential part of our firm’s values. We recognize the impact that our resources and influence can have and are committed to using them to serve as a catalyst for change. Whether through volunteering time and expertise, or making financial contributions, we believe everyone has the power to make a difference and create success that is shared by all.

If you would like more information about our firm, our role in the community, or how we can help you build a philanthropic mission, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at team@interchangecp.com or call our office at 412-307-4230 to schedule an introductory appointment. 

About Ahmie

Ahmie E. Baum is the CEO and Founder of Interchange Capital Partners. Using a collaborative and comprehensive process developed over 43 years of working with Wall Street banks and financial services firms on behalf of families.

Interchange Capital Partners provides family office and transition strategy services for family businesses, helping families protect and grow their family capital with clarity, understanding, and action by being relevant and resourceful around their unique circumstances.

As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Ahmie began his career with EF Hutton in 1979 and transitioned to UBS in 1993. Ahmie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), received the Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duquesne University School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, and has a Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) from the Family Firm Institute. He also has Certificates from The Growth Institute around Growing and Scaling Business and Cash Management. For the past 20 years, he has been involved with Strategic Coach, an international entrepreneurial training program.

When he’s not working, Ahmie enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, their three children, and their granddaughters. He recognizes that health is wealth so he has committed to daily yoga, meditation, and plant-based eating. His other hobbies include woodturning, golf, reading, listening to music, and biking. He is active in his community and served as the Foundation Chair of the Jewish Federation Community Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh and supports various philanthropic endeavors. To learn more about Ahmie, connect with him on LinkedIn.