For nearly four decades, the generosity and vision of Bill and Sandy Sroka have helped ensure that children from across Virginia can experience the lifelong benefits of Jewish overnight camp.
Established in 1987 through the Richmond Jewish Foundation (RJF), the Sroka/Karp Memorial Fund honors the memory of Gertrude & Edward Sroka and Esther & Michael Karp and while reflecting the Sroka’s deep appreciation for Camp Ramah New England in Palmer, Massachusetts. The fund provides need-based scholarships for children from the Richmond and Tidewater metropolitan areas to attend Jewish overnight camps, helping make these transformative experiences accessible to more families.
In 2026, the fund awarded $8,000 in scholarships to nine children, enabling them to participate in immersive Jewish summer camp experiences that foster personal growth, Jewish learning, friendship, and community connection. The impact of the funds continues to grow. In just the last ten years, the Sroka/Karp Memorial Fund has awarded 84 scholarships, helping children experience Jewish camping who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.
When asked why they created this fund Sandy stated, “My mom was involved in Ort, a Jewish women’s organization that started in Israel and mom started a fund to send kids to Jewish summer camp.” and Bill added “We thought this was a fitting way to honor our parents’ legacy.”
Scholarship recipients are selected annually through the Richmond Jewish Foundation Grants Committee, which reviews applications and determines awards based on demonstrated financial need. Each spring, families may apply through the Grants page of the Richmond Jewish Foundation website at www.rjfoundation.org. "The Sroka/Karp Memorial Fund is a wonderful example of how philanthropy can have a lasting impact across generations," said Richmond Jewish Foundation CEO, Dan Brandeis. "By helping children attend Jewish overnight camp, the fund creates opportunities for young people to strengthen their Jewish identity, build lifelong friendships, and develop confidence in a supportive environment."
Each year, there are more applicants than there are available scholarships. Should you wish to add to this fund, or any of the other field of interest funds held at the Richmond Jewish Foundation, we welcome online contributions by visiting www.rjfoundation.org, and clicking "Donate," then selecting the fund name from the list of charitable funds. A list of our field of interest funds and their purpose may be found on the Grants Page of our website. Contributions to any of our existing funds may also be made by check payable to the Richmond Jewish Foundation, with the fund name in the memo line, and mailed to:
Richmond Jewish Foundation
5540 Falmouth Street, Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23230
Of course, you can also create your own fund at RJF to accomplish your own charitable objectives. Simply call or email us at 804-545-8656 or dan@rjfoundation.org.
As the Sroka/Karp Memorial Fund approaches its 40th anniversary, its legacy remains clear: investing in young people, strengthening Jewish community connections, and ensuring that future generations can benefit from the rich experiences and enduring friendships that Jewish overnight camps provide.
Through the foresight and generosity of Bill and Sandy Sroka, the memories of their parents, Gertrude & Edward Sroka and Esther & Michael Karp continue to inspire opportunities that enrich the lives of children and families throughout Virginia.