On June 3, Jewish Community Foundation fund holders and their families gathered at the 1900 Building for a special program titled, “Where Money Meets Meaning: A Conversation About Your Family’s Charitable Values.”
Guests enjoyed brunch refreshments and the ambience of the event space before the program began with a warm welcome from Foundation board of trustees President Irv Belzer. Honorary co-chairs Ron and Susie Goldsmith and Michelle Goldsmith shared the importance of philanthropic discussions within their own family and then introduced special guest speaker Adina Schwartz of 21/64.
Schwartz is a speaker and consultant who works with individuals, families and organizations on multigenerational engagement in philanthropy through the national firm 21/64. This firm evolved from a program of the Andrea & Charles Bronfman Philanthropies into an independent nonprofit practice that provides multigenerational advising, facilitation and training for next generation engagement.
Schwartz led the group in an interactive conversation about generational observations and explained how significant historical events and conditions have shaped the attitudes and behaviors of every generation from the Traditionalists, or Silent Generation, to Generation Z, which includes those born between 1995 and 2015. Schwartz emphasized the importance of understanding these generational perspectives when having enriching conversations about values, money and legacy with family members of different ages.
The audience was invited to participate in an engaging exercise using “Exploring Giving” cards, a tool created by 21/64 to assist in meaningful intergenerational discussions. The participants paired off with members of different generations and practiced asking questions to learn about the other person’s charitable values and interests. Guests were able to take the cards home to continue the conversations with members of their own families.
“Our family has shared the Exploring Giving cards with our siblings and parents and have set up a time to meet via FaceTime to begin the discussion of philanthropy with the entire family,” said event attendee Karen Gerson. “Our son Gilli is going to lead these sessions and we are going to come to an agreement of where we want some funds to go as a family.
“In addition, Gilli has begun to realize the importance of saving a percentage of his money earned, as well as gifting a percentage to an organization that he feels passionate about.”
Lauren Mattleman Hoopes, who in addition to serving as the Foundation’s executive director is also a 21/64 certified facilitator, thanked attendees and welcomed them to contact the Foundation for further assistance engaging their families in philanthropic conversations. She informed the audience that the Foundation’s highly qualified staff can craft customized, creative strategies for any family’s unique circumstances.
For more information on engaging your family in charitable giving, contact the Jewish Community Foundation at 913-327-8245 or .