• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

MILWAUKEE - Philanthropist Joseph Zilber has donated $50 million during the next 10 years to improve life in Milwaukee’s low-income neighborhoods. TODAY’S TMJ4’s Carole Meekins sat down with Zilber Monday, for an exclusive one-on-one interview during which she asked him about the donation. Zilber is a real estate mogul who spends most of his time in Hawaii, but Milwaukee will always been in his heart. Zilber tells Meekins he hopes his $50 million donation brings new hope for the city. “Every day I get more enthusiastic about the fact that it will work,” Zilber said. Zilber is optimistic about Milwaukee’s future. That's why he's spending $50 million to improve low- income neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Meekins: “You live in Hawaii, but you still find compassion for the people here. Why is that?” “Cause I was born and brought up here in the neighborhood that needs the help now, and I'm going to do it,” Zilber said. Zilber and his late wife Vera made a commitment to use their good fortune to help Milwaukee. “My wife and I had a pact and when she passed on, or whoever would pass on first, that we would make sure we would take good care of the city of Milwaukee,” Zilber said. Zilber admits it's tough to see the many challenges facing the city. “When I listen to your program every night and I see a shooting here, and killing here and there, it hurts,” Zilber said. However, Zilber's not about to give up. He wants his gift to inspire those of means to give, and give those without means hope. Meekins: “Is there anything you would like to say to the people of Milwaukee who might feel hopeless?" “Don't give up. There’s always hope. I was born in a very poor family and worked hard. It takes hard work, but you shouldn't lose hope,” Zilber said. Zilber says it's not just about giving money, it's about people being taught the value of hard work.