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“Canada on top yet again,” and “Goat 🐐,” is how people reacted on X after Larry Tanenbaum was re-elected as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors. This cements his role as one of the most influential figures in the NBA, being a Canadian. His impact extends beyond the court. He’s also named to the 2025 induction class of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. These honors reflect his commitment to sports, business, and community. While his contributions to the Raptors and MLSE are undeniable, his off-court efforts truly define his legacy. Today we are here to take a closer look at his impactful off-court life.

Who is the wife of Toronto Raptors’ owner Larry Tanenbaum? Is she a philanthropist?

Larry Tanenbaum has kept his family life private, leaving us with very little information on his marriage. He married Judy Tanenbaum in 1967. While much of their personal life remains private, it’s clear that they share a profound commitment to giving back. Did you know they have done a lot for sports? Yes, one of their most impactful ventures- Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport- created to advance research in sports science and medicine. The mission is simple: to help improve athlete health, wellness, and performance.

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The couple’s philanthropic passion is rooted in a desire to improve lives. They’ve contributed to various causes, including education, healthcare, sports, and Jewish community initiatives. Judy’s role as a philanthropist is integral to their combined efforts, especially in supporting the University of Toronto.

The Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation has bolstered Jewish studies, sports science, and sports medicine at U of T. This dedication to education and community is deeply personal for the couple. Well, they aren’t the first couple in their family to be involved in charity. His parents, Max and Anne Tanenbaum, were also devoted philanthropists, which inspired their son to follow suit.

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USA Today via Reuters

In the 2010s, Larry and Judy made a major contribution to establishing the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Toronto. Their efforts continue to support education across various fields, from sports to Jewish history.

Their $20 million pledge in 2022 created the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport, a global center focused on high-performance sports medicine and research. Interesting, isn’t it?

The Tanenbaums’ philanthropic reach extends beyond the University of Toronto. They’ve also supported mental health and human rights initiatives, with donations to organizations like McGill University and Sinai Health. Larry’s contributions earned him the distinction of Officer of the Order of Canada in 2007.

Through their unwavering commitment, their philanthropy will impact generations. Their efforts to support athletes, education, and health are shaping a better future. However, with that, let’s look into another important aspect of their lives- their children.

Do Larry and Judy Tanenbaum have kids?

It looks like the Tanenbaum couple has instilled in their kids strong, close-knit values and a deep commitment to making a difference. Their three children—Ken, Lisa, and Julie—are living examples of the lessons instilled by their parents, and each has carved out their own path while carrying forward the family’s legacy of philanthropy and service.

So let’s start with the oldest, Ken Tanenbaum, who grew up watching his parents’ dedication to giving back. From an early age, he knew he had to keep up the legacy. Today, he’s the founder and chairman of Kilmer Developments, where he’s been behind some of the region’s most transformational projects, like the ONroute Highway Service Centres.

Ken’s leadership in the business world mirrors his deep commitment to community. He’s also heavily involved with the UCC Foundation, showing that his dedication to philanthropy isn’t just a career—it’s a family value passed down through generations.

Lisa Tanenbaum took a more creative turn. She studied Pastry Arts at George Brown College, and today she runs a successful baking business. But she didn’t stop there—she and her sister Julie teamed up to create the popular blog- Bite Me More, a unique blend of savory and sweet recipes. Their culinary adventures reached far beyond the kitchen.

Julie Albert, the younger of the two sisters, shares the same zest for life and food. Julie’s energy and flair for flavor make Bite Me More a unique space where two different tastes—one sweet, one savory—come together.

Julie’s partnership with Lisa is a testament to the strength of family bonds. The sisters’ work speaks not only about their love for food but also about the shared values of community and togetherness that her parents have always championed.

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However, apart from their career, the Tanenbaum children are close-knit. Their deep love and respect for their parents are evident in the letter they wrote, where they reflected on the teachings they received. “Teach your children well,” they wrote, a message to them as parents and future generations. It captured the essence of Larry and Judy’s legacy and their promise to carry forward the commitment to Jewish values. Their kids hope to pass on the values to the next generation, with a dream of building a peaceful Jewish homeland.

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However, from business to kitchen and to philanthropy, Larry and Judy’s influence continues to shape the lives of their children and the communities they serve. Their family’s impact is felt not just in the work they do, but in the lives they touch along the way.

As the legacy moves forward, what new ways will their children inspire future generations?

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