Stanley Bushman, 94, a local philanthropist and real estate investor, last week 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.
Bushman emphasized that the gifts are unrestricted and were being given immediately.
In brief remarks at a luncheon for the recipients, after noting the importance of the Jewish nature of these organizations and the good things that they do in the community, Bushman said, “With antisemitism what it is today, it is really important that we show that we care about the general community as well as the Jewish community, and I think that each one of these charities makes a huge, huge difference.”
In addition to key representatives of the three organizations receiving the gifts, others in attendance included representatives of the Jewish Community Foundation (where the Stanley J. Bushman Supporting Foundation is held), as well as Bushman’s “love of 55 years” Ann Canfield, friend and business partner Charley Helzberg, friend Merilyn Berenbom, and Steve and Neil Karbank, who hosted the gathering at the 1900 Building.
“Stan has always made me laugh, and today he’s made me cry,” Berenbom said. “What he’s done today is the epitome of tzedakah. Giving with no conditions, no strings attached… When we think of all the people who will be able to fish on their own and better their lives because of this, and the energy for the people who deliver these services, Stan made us even better today.”
Helzberg, who has a 65-year friendship with Bushman, agreed, saying, “He makes us all better people.”
Lauren Hoopes, executive director of Jewish Community Foundation, said, “I want to thank [Stanley] on behalf of the Jewish Community Foundation for being a wonderful leader, teacher, partner, friend, and just all-around incredible mensch.”
The reaction from the Jewish agencies — all Jewish Community Foundation partners — was palpable.
“These are life-changing gifts for the people served,” said Debbie Bass, chief development officer at Jewish Family Services. “How exciting to be part of it!”
“This gift is just tremendous,” said Matt Lewis, CEO of Village Shalom. Lewis spoke about Bushman’s mentorship, friendship and longtime involvement with Village Shalom. “I can’t imagine a Village Shalom without Stan,” he said.
Hilary Singer, executive director of Jewish Vocational Service, said, “For us, as JVS, to be in the company of other organizations that are representing the Jewish community and Jewish values, and doing amazing things for our city… to be recognized for that is phenomenal. And the trust in us to do the good work that we will do with this is incredibly appreciated.”
Don Goldman, CEO of JFS, added, “Hilary and we are partners and have worked together so much, and as two of the agencies working and spending a lot of time together in the general community, I want to add my ‘thank you.’ I agree with Hilary — [Stan is] making a huge difference to us.”
Unrestricted, immediate cash gifts of this size are unusual, and were greatly appreciated by the recipient organizations.
“This is like a dream come true for these charities,” Helzberg said. “They don’t have to report back, and there’s no interfering in what they do. It is really thinking about who you have confidence in.”
Hoopes also spoke to the importance of the trust and confidence in these organizations. “The trust that a major donor has to have in the leadership of an organization and the reputation for wise use of funds is pivotal to make a transformational gift like this,” she said.
For Bushman, whose longtime generosity has largely been understated and behind the scenes, his hope in announcing these gifts was not to receive recognition, but rather “that this may inspire others” toward generosity, he said.
“Stanley would be inclined to do this quietly,” Helzberg said.
“The most inspiring thing about the gift is that it is unrestricted,” Hoopes said. “It can be put to the area of greatest need as the needs evolve in the life of an organization. He’s taking a leap of faith.”
