Eli N. Evans z’l was the founding President of the Charles H. Revson Foundation and served the Foundation in this position from 1977-2002. Through his great generosity of spirit, love of Israel and the Jewish People, profound belief in the promise of American Democracy, and philosophy of betting on audacious ideas and talented people, Eli contributed mightily to making our world a better place. He was a role model and mentor to those who followed in his footsteps.

In addition to his philanthropic leadership, Eli was a prolific author and chronicler of Jewish life in the South. His books include ‘The Provincials’, ‘The Lonely Days were Sundays: Reflections of a Jewish Southerner’ and ‘Judah P. Benjamin: The Jewish Confederate’.

To learn more about Eli’s life and legacy, provided below are a selection of articles and testimonies;

Jewish Telegraphic Agency –July 28, 2022—”Eli Evans, ‘poet laureate of Southern Jews’ and influential grant-maker, dies at 85”
Eli Evans, ‘poet laureate of Southern Jews’ and influential grant-maker, dies at 85 – Jewish Telegraphic Agency (jta.org)

The Forward –July 29, 2022—”The ‘poet laureate of Southern Jewry’ has died. Here’s how I remember him.”
The ‘poet laureate of Southern Jewry’ has died. Here’s how I remember him.  – The Forward

New York Times—August 5, 2022—”Eli N. Evans, Who Wrote About Jews in American South, Dies at 85”
Eli N. Evans, Who Wrote About Jews in American South, Dies at 85 – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Washington Post—July 28, 2022—”Eli Evans, ‘poet laureate’ of the Jews of the South, dies at 85”
Eli Evans, ‘poet laureate’ of the Jews of the South, dies at 85 – The Washington Post