I asked her how she wound up with a home that is almost twice as large as the White House: “We had planned maybe a 12,000 square-foot home, but our family grew, we have eight kids, and during the design process the house just kind of took on a life of its own.”My parents had seven kids, and our house probably wasn't larger (in total square feet) than their indoor pool or spa or whatever the hell it is.
> “We had planned maybe a 12,000 square-foot home, but our family grew, we have eight kids, and during the design process the house just kind of took on a life of its own.”Ladies and gentlemen, I give you.... Rose Red!
Ms. Kassab needs a reality check, as do the people who believe words taken out of context and are so judgemental. This article did not show the truths and essence of this family and what they have donated to this community.Also:
For example Jaqueline is being judged by the success of her husband. As a mother who raised my own children I can’t even comprhend the schedule she keeps trying to give each and everyone of their children and husband the love and attention required to raise loving, successful, contributing members of society. Little does anyone know she does not only do pesonal charity volunteering but also works on several committies and agencies that help thousands of needy people of this community.
David Siegel is a self made man who has created 10,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs in this community and has given millions of his own dollars to charities as well as helping individuals. Because he and his wife have chosen to have and raise 8 children is their business. Those 8 children are loved, involved in sports, go to public school and are very much like every other children who have wants and needs. Jacqueline is up everyday at the crack of dawn figuring out schedules, school activities, sports games, YMCA schedules, dentists, doctor appts, etc. Yes, she does have help, but she also works fulltime in addition to all of the above. She is President of Travel Host Orlando Magazine, which helps draw money into the community and is the Executive Director of the Mrs. Floria America Pagaent.
Give me a break, I have no idea how the Siegels can be such a giving influence in the community and be expected to put so much love into their own family without help.
Would everyone be happier if she closed down her two businesses and layed off her employees, laided off the 5 nannies at home and quit giving an important amount of her time and energy to help others in the community.
I believe Mr. Siegel and his wife can spend their personal money how they want, and care for the love and safety of their children, expecially when they continue to give and donate so much money, time and create employment in this community.
Yes, POOR Jacqueline, for trying to be a wonderful mother and spend hours helping people in her community. OBVIOUSLY, her REWARD has been one of UNKIND JUDGEMENT AND MISUNDERSTANDING.
There are always two sides to a story. In life, there are workers and watchers. For some reason, some people choose not to take risks, are not willing to do the hard work, or for what ever reason they fail to achieve in life what they are capable of doing. Rather than using their energy, minds, and gifts to better themselves, they waste their energy tearing down and criticizing others who have been successful. This is so sad but not new. Jealousy and envy have existed since man was created and will exist until God calls us home. If only instead we could be happy for people when they have blessings and even be inspired to do more ourselves.
I know David and Jackie Siegel. Our home was destroyed. When they heard about it, they provided my family with a place to live until we could get another home. No one knew… there were no stories in the newspapers. This was done because they saw a need and had a way to help. Later, I became very ill. My husband is a realtor in this down market and had no income for over a year. When the Christmas season arrived, we wondered if we would need to tell our grandson there was no Santa as there was no money for Christmas. The Siegel’s found out and sent us a check to not only provide Santa for my grandson, but also money to cover my medications. No one knew… again there were no newspaper articles. The market is even worse this year. My husband has faithfully continued to work, but has had no closings and we had used all of our savings. At Thanksgiving, we knew the table would be sparse. We hear about families who are suffering in this economy, but it is different when you are living it day by day. Many friends were praying for us and we greatly appreciated every prayer. Their prayers were answered when on the day before Thanksgiving we received a call to confirm we were at home. Then a van arrived and a sweet man from Westgate brought in a huge box and basket of food… turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, rolls, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, vegetables, flour, canned food, etc. It was a feast and there was a note of encouragement from the Siegel’s along with a food card from Publix. That card fed my family for the next two months. I cried for hours. No one knew and again there was no press. Like many others during this economic season, we have even sold personal treasures on eBay and finally had a huge rummage sale. Jackie and David gathered friends and family and drove an hour to support us. They bought some things I knew they didn’t really need… they just wanted to help. And that rummage sale provided an income to pay our bills that month.
We are just one family. I know hundreds of families who have been quietly helped by David and Jackie Siegel. They give over $2,000,000 to approximately 100 charities each year. The Siegel’s have one rule… the money must go to house, feed, or clothe someone. They spent many Thanksgiving Days serving food at the homeless center in Orlando. I once asked David why they didn’t allow the press to know all of the things they do. He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I know and God knows… and that’s all that counts.” I come from a middle class family and we were taught the importance of honesty and hard work. I have always been so happy when others manage to achieve and improve their lot in life. For instance, it has always been fun to watch some of our country music stars. People like Dolly Parton and others who came from dire poverty yet achieved success. Perhaps they like big hair and star studded clothes. That is great if it is what makes them happy. They worked hard and are using their blessings to help others. David Siegel was selling newspapers on the sidewalk at age four… he has worked hard and achieved success in business. I smile and said, you go guy! If David and Jackie want to build a big house, hire a staff to help with their children, or whatever, that is great if it is what makes their hearts happy. They dared to dream, worked hard, earned it, and now help others… and in the majority of those cases, there is no publicity.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could be happy for those who have been blessed and help others. I thank God for people like the Siegel’s. They are very wealthy and had nothing to gain by helping us. But they did and it gave us hope on some very dark days. They have helped so many people you do not even know about. Hopefully we can all pass it along and help others when we have opportunities. Or shall we shoot arrows?
“I wanted a bowling alley for the kids and I wanted an indoor roller- and ice-skating rink, and my husband wanted a 10,000 square-foot health spa with an indoor relaxation pool and the house kept growing and we had to keep buying more lots.”Is there like a psychological term for like... body dysmorphia, but for like... houses and shit? Cuz I think they have it. And maybe... Half of America, too.
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posted by killy willy at 12:00 PM on July 16, 2010