“I did not find the world desolate when I entered it, as my fathers planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.”
– Talmud
The Jewish Community Foundation Orange County mourns the loss of Sandy Fainbarg z”l, a visionary leader whose legacy of generosity, dedication, and community spirit will be felt for generations to come. Sandy is the mother of Steven Fainbarg z”l and Nancy Chase, the mother-in-law of Irving Chase, the grandmother of Catie Chase and Ryan Chase and his wife, Brooke, and the great-grandmother of Sadie and Ben. Our hearts are with the entire Fainbarg and Chase families as they mourn this tremendous loss.
Sandy was more than a supporter; she and her beloved husband, Allan, of blessed memory, were among our guiding lights. Her commitment to Jewish values and community shaped our very core. In 1981, the Fainbargs helped establish the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County and created its very first fund, beginning a family legacy of philanthropy that continues today through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. With deep compassion and unwavering resolve, Sandy helped build a stronger, more vibrant Jewish future for Orange County.
Her philanthropic leadership extended beyond dollars — Sandy gave of her time, wisdom, and heart. She believed deeply in the power of Jewish continuity and was instrumental in supporting initiatives that nourished Jewish identity, education, and connection. Whether through strategic grants, supporting emerging programs, or mentoring others in philanthropy, Sandy’s influence rippled outward, touching countless lives.
In recognition of her profound impact, we honor Sandy’s memory and acknowledge her central role in shaping the Foundation’s vision and growth. Her enduring support made possible vital partnerships, innovative programming, and a culture of giving that continues to thrive.
Sandy Fainbarg leaves behind a legacy rooted in purpose — one that continues in the lives of those she empowered and the future she helped secure. Her memory will forever be a blessing to our community.
If you would like to make a donation in Sandy’s memory, please click on the link below.
Contributions by check to JCFOC in Memory of Sandy Fainbarg can be mailed to the Foundation. Please clearly specify this in the memo line.
Jewish Community Foundation Orange County
1 Federation Way, Suite 230
Irvine, CA 92603-0174
Please contact the Foundation for further assistance.
Telephone: (949) 435-3490
Email: info@jcfoc.org
*JCFOC processes credit card donations using Stripe. All Stripe transactions are SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protected and encrypted with leading-edge AES-256 encryption.

