Village Shalom recently hosted a reception to celebrate the support and generosity of Harry and Gail Himmelstein.
The event, held on Aug. 6, marked a significant milestone in the organization’s history: recognizing the Himmelsteins’ recent gift of $100,000 to the Village Shalom Financial Assistance Program, which provides care for the one out of four residents who have depleted their financial resources.
The reception featured the dedication of the Rehabilitation Bistro, now named in honor of the Himmelsteins. This newly dedicated space is intended to serve as a hub for residents, community engagement and wellbeing.
Harry Himmelstein’s connection to Village Shalom traces back to his grandmother’s role in the expansion of the Shalom Geriatric Center in 1986. His extensive prior service on the Village Shalom board underscored his commitment to the organization, and his leadership and philanthropic efforts have affected not only Village Shalom but also the Kansas City community.
Both of the Himmelsteins have been involved in numerous community initiatives to improve the lives of those around them. Through the establishment of the Harry and Gail Himmelstein Older Adults Endowment Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF), they have ensured that older adults in the community will continue to receive the support and services they need, from vital healthcare to essential social connections, for generations.
“We are incredibly grateful for Harry and Gail’s continued dedication and generosity,” said Bob Gershon, board chair of Village Shalom. “Their contributions have had a transformative impact on our community and will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
The Himmelsteins’ son Paul, along with his wife, Susan, and three daughters, attended the reception, along with many close friends who live at Village Shalom. Their 17-year-old granddaughter has also continued the family’s legacy of philanthropy by contributing to Village Shalom through JCF’s B’nai Tzedek program for teenagers. Many of their friends spoke about the Himmelsteins’ generosity and their impact on the Jewish community.
