Someone Cares, just ask Big John Local hero’s estate delivers $200,000 Gift

Former Councilman, radio host, and local Icon Big John spent his time in the recording booth sharing the news of the community. Big John was known for his opinions, his energy, and his kindness.

Big John loved to share the airwaves with local community leaders. He often spoke with the Jewish Federation President Marvin Miller, Executive Director Gloria Max, and often cohosted with local philanthropist Larry Frank. Together they shared many stories of the extraordinary work of the food bank which Gloria championed during her time with the Federation.

 “Gloria dedicated her life to helping others. She spent countless hours in the Jerry Doliner Food Bank, helped provide direct support to local families and ran an annual school supplies drive. She was constantly working around the clock to ensure the community's needs were met.” Said Mr. Frank.

Big John came to know and love Gloria and her work. He was quoted once saying about Gloria "I referred to her as the Mother Teresa of Volusia County because she absolutely was. She was selfless. That’s the number one word: Selfless.”

Larry and his wife Andrea decided to open a fund in honor of Gloria & Ray Max. Ray was always with Gloria as head of the volunteers at the Jewish Federation. The fund was titled “The Ray and Gloria Max Someone Cares Fund” which was established after her passing in 2021. The endowed fund with the Community Foundation and United way of Volusia-Flagler Counties honors her legacy of helping local families in need and will provide monetary assistance for emergency needs that put at risk a family’s housing, food security, medical, transportation, and other critical needs.

After being so moved by the work of Gloria, Big John pledged one-third of his estate to the fund – more than $250,000. This week, the first check from his estate, worth almost $200,000 was delivered to the fund. To increase the impact of Big John’s contribution, the fund’s sponsors have agreed to match another $25,000 of contributions through the end of the year.

“Gloria and Ray Max's legacy still lives on today. Gloria impacted thousands of lives and we will continue to help thousands of more with the Someone Cares fund. Everyone who knew Gloria knew her heart and saw her passion and we will continue to honor her and all the amazing work she did and will continue to do through her legacy.” Rabbi Dr. Rob Lennick, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties.

Help us to continue to honor the legacy of Big John and Gloria Max, and help support local families in need, by contributing to the Ray and Gloria Max Someone Cares Fund today! Visit or click to donate today. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/xd5-qw?vid=12tuk0