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This article was published 05/06/2012 (4009 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WHEN he was a child, John Buhler dreamed of building tractors.

Now, Buhler’s lifetime in business, including owning a business building tractors, will help build agricultural capacity in Israel.

Tonight’s Negev Gala 2012, a fundraiser for the Jewish National Fund, is honouring John Buhler and his wife, Bonnie, for their philanthropy.

“We’re so honoured — it really was a surprise to us,” Bonnie said.

“It’s a Jewish organization honouring a Mennonite — I took it as an even greater honour,” John said, chuckling.

Karla Berbrayer and Jessica Cogan, the gala’s co-chairwomen, said they are pleased to honour the Buhlers.

Berbrayer said it was easy to choose the Buhlers.

“The Buhlers are an incredible couple in our community,” she said.

“They have given us so much philanthropy in our community. Whether it’s the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, the University of Winnipeg, or the Health Sciences Centre, they really cover quite the gamut in their support in our community.”

Cogan said, “We couldn’t have found a better couple which emulates the Jewish National Fund than the Buhlers.

“The JNF is all about giving back to the community, and that’s the Buhlers too.”

The Negev Gala will be held at the Centennial Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The JNF, which began in 1901, does environmental and agricultural work to help develop Israel.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca