Women’s Philanthropy, a department of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, recently honored Shirley Helzberg as a leading philanthropist in 2015. Helzberg made a commitment this year to invest with Jewish Federation at the Prime Minister’s Council Lion of Judah* level ($100,000) — an act of generosity that has incredible impact on Jewish life here in Kansas City and around the world. Through her generosity, Helzberg leads the way in aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity. She is a woman who truly embodies the spirit of altruism.
“I am honored to be recognized by Jewish Federation for something that is my pleasure to do — to invest as generously as possible in Jewish life in our community and beyond,” Helzberg says. “In making this commitment, I’m also asking other women in the community to join me at this level if they are able, or to consider raising their own investments to the next level possible. This way, we can collectively have an even greater impact in assisting those in need — whether of food, counseling or other assistance — and in deepening Jewish identity.”
The 43-year-old Lion of Judah giving program is an international society within the Jewish Federation system, through which more than 17,500 women make annual financial investments of $5,000 or more to the Federation campaign. As a Prime Minister’s Council Lion of Judah, Helzberg was presented with a special white gold pin with a black diamond inset. Pins for other levels are gold with various gemstones signifying significant investments; a flame emanating from the pin signifies a woman’s commitment to endowing her philanthropy at a Lion of Judah level.
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City has a strong history of women like Helzberg leading through both philanthropy and via leadership roles with the organization. Helzberg herself chaired the Jewish Federation community fundraising campaign in 1994 and co-chaired the Federation’s 75th anniversary gala in 2008; she also previously served on the Federation board of directors. Another example of a woman who led through her philanthropy is Vivian Sosland, who during her lifetime contributed to the Federation campaign at the Prime Minister’s level for many years, and whose philanthropy continues today through the Vivian and Hymie J. Sosland Charitable Trust.
In 2015, Women’s Philanthropy has raised more than $1.3 million, while also engaging women in a variety of community-building activities. Women’s Philanthropy enables women of all ages, backgrounds, interests and lifestyles to connect and to get involved in Jewish life in Kansas City. This is possible through a variety of programs, volunteer opportunities and leadership development opportunities that all affirm Jewish identity and Jewish values, and that inspire Jewish women to establish themselves as partners in our community.
“I’m so proud of what the women in our community have done and continue to do to sustain and enhance Jewish life,” says Trudy Jacobson, chair of Women’s Philanthropy. “It is our plan that through ongoing community development, inspired leadership and generous philanthropy, women involved with Jewish Federation will continue to better the lives of many, both locally and globally.”
In addition to this honor from Jewish Federation, KC Magazine recognized Helzberg earlier this year as the city’s best philanthropist. Earlier this year Helzberg was inducted into the inaugural class of the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame at UMKC in recognition of a life of generosity and service. Beyond her generosity with Jewish Federation, Helzberg is a lifetime board member and strong supporter of Village Shalom, a champion of the arts in Kansas City (she now chairs the board of trustees of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art after 18 years as the Kansas City Symphony president), and has redeveloped many buildings on Quality Hill and in the Crossroads Arts District. That is not to mention her involvement with — and support of — Operation Breakthrough, City Union Mission, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starlight Theater, the Shakespeare Festival and the Kansas City Ballet.