The J has announced Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City as this year’s presenting sponsor for Jewish Culture Fest, coming Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, to the Jewish Community Campus.
Jewish Federation has also been a supporter of this community event in the past.
“We have enjoyed a strong historic partnership with Jewish Federation, and we couldn’t be happier that they are partnering with us again as we celebrate our Jewish culture and history with the greater Kansas City community,” said Jim Sluyter, president and CEO of The J.
Federation opted in on the top sponsorship of Jewish Culture Fest this year due in part to the findings of its recent Jewish community study.
“We want to make the most of every opportunity to get out there and meet people where they are, with minimal barriers,” said Derek Gale, vice president and chief operating officer of Federation. “With so many people both within and perhaps on the outskirts of the community checking out Jewish Culture Fest, being the presenting sponsor seemed like a natural way to engage, in partnership with The J.”
In addition to receiving top billing, Federation plans to be more visible at the event. In the works are a dedicated tent at Culture Fest where Federation advocates can connect with festival attendees and share more about the organization.
“We are excited to celebrate Jewish Federation’s 90th anniversary at the event, share who we are as an organization, and talk with Jewish Culture Fest visitors about what the next 90 years look like for our Jewish community,” Gale said. “It’s a great opportunity for us. We’re going to show up in a big way with our own presence, and we want the entire Jewish community to show up and show how proud we all are of our community, our culture and all we have to offer.”
The partnership came after conversations with individuals at The J and Federation surrounding goals of the event and of Federation.
“Once we learned about Jewish Federation’s goals, it made sense for the two organizations to partner in this way,” said Cindy Bodker, director of development at The J. “Jewish Culture Fest showcases Jewish life to the Jewish community and beyond, which is right in line with Jewish Federation’s mission to sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world.”
Additional sponsorships for the 2023 Jewish Culture Fest are still available. More information about the event or sponsorships is available at jewishculturefest.org or by contacting Cindy Bodker at or (913) 981-8807.
