Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City recently kicked off its 2023 annual campaign with two special events for inspiration and fundraising.
The first was an “inspiration event” for current and potential Federation ambassadors — volunteers and lay leaders who give their time and skills to help move the annual campaign forward. This event highlighted one of Federation's partner organizations, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), the community Jewish day school.
School leaders, including Adam Tilove, head of school, and Todd Clauer, upper school principal, along with several alumni and community members, spoke about HBHA's mission to shape its students into tomorrow’s community leaders and how that mission is supported by Federation.
“Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City provides support to more than 80 programs in our community and overseas and we appreciated the opportunity to showcase how the annual campaign helps our local community,” said Erin Berger, campaign chair.
The second event was Federation’s annual “Note-a-Thon,” a letter-writing campaign that helps raise tens of thousands of dollars to support the Jewish community. Approximately 50 volunteers helped this year, either at the event or on their own, by writing personal notes thanking Federation’s donors for their continued support. These notes were included in Passover appeal letters that were sent out last month.
“The first thing our community members saw when they opened the letter was a handwritten note card and an acknowledgment message,” said Annie Glickman, Federation’s campaign director. “We want to emphasize our appreciation for the important role that each of our community members has in what we do.”
Glickman said they are already starting to see gifts come in as a result of the Passover appeal. This year’s annual campaign goal is $5.3 million, which is slightly higher than last year.
“We're hopeful the economy will continue to gain strength," she said. "We have the privilege and responsibility to be in a position of advocacy to support the invaluable work of our community partners and agencies and those overseas that have fewer resources than we do.”
Berger added, “Last month, I had the opportunity to see how our collective funds help improve the quality of the lives in communities like Riga and Budapest. We are thankful to our community for partnering with us to help others in need and to help build the future of our Jewish community here and around the world.”
Along with Glickman, the financial resource development professionals and Berger, leading the annual campaign efforts are Beth Liss, Jewish Federation board chair; and Sondra Friedman, financial resource development committee chair.
Federation is planning another campaign event in early May — a luncheon for its major benefactors and Lion of Judah members held at Oakwood Country Club, with Sarah and Peter Beren chairing the event. The featured speaker will be Julie Platt, board chair for the Jewish Federations of North America, a network of 146 Federations nationwide. Platt is from Wichita, Kansas.
During the event, Stanley J. Bushman will be honored for his philanthropy to Kansas City’s Jewish community. Last December, Bushman announced three gifts of $2 million each from his supporting foundation to Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City, and Village Shalom. The gifts were unrestricted (meaning the agencies can use the money as they deem necessary) and given immediately.
“As a campaign director, Mr. Bushman is an inspirational model for the value of unrestricted giving,” Glickman said. “It allows organizations to pivot and be responsive to the most immediate needs, and to make sure there's the infrastructure to allow for that flexibility. We are appreciative that Stan has accepted this honor as Federation’s way of saying thank you for all that he’s done, and continues to do, for our community.”
More information about Federation’s 2023 annual campaign is available at jewishkansascity.org/donate.
Those interested in volunteering or helping with the campaign can contact Glickman at . There are multiple volunteer opportunities and ways to help, both in person and online.
