Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City announced Paul Himmelstein as the 2018 Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award winner. The award is bestowed each year to a volunteer under the age of 45 who has shown exemplary leadership in the Jewish community and consistent commitment to Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s annual Community Campaign.
Himmelstein will be recognized at Jewish Federation’s annual meeting and 85th anniversary celebration, which takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center.
“I was surprised when I learned I was the recipient of this year’s award. It’s truly an honor to be recognized. Our community is important to me, and I hope the volunteer work I do sets an example for my children,” said Himmelstein.
Himmelstein was chosen for this prestigious award because of his dedication to and involvement in the community, and his demonstrated commitment to sustaining and enhancing Jewish life at home and around the world.
He has served on the Jewish Federation board of directors since 2011, acting as board treasurer since 2015. In addition to his board work, Himmelstein is a Federation Community Campaign Ambassador and has been a member of various Federation committees over the years. He was also a founding member of the Jewish Community Foundation’s J-LEAD program, and he served on the boards and various committees for Village Shalom and Jewish Family Services.
Himmelstein’s dedication to Kansas City runs deep. He has been involved in numerous other organizations within Kansas City, such as the American Royal Chairman’s Club, Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions, Pembroke Hill, the Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium and the Planned Giving Council of Children’s Mercy Hospital.
“Paul is a wonderful choice as this year’s winner. His willingness to invest so much of his time and talent is a testament to his devotion to the community. We are so happy to honor him,” said Pella Fingersh who, together with her husband Jack Fingersh, founded the award to recognize young Jewish leaders in the community, and to continue the legacy of their son, the late Dan Fingersh. She is also co-chair of this year’s annual meeting, along with Robert Cutler.
The annual meeting is free of charge and open to all members of the Jewish community. You can register at jewishkansascity.org/annualmeeting18 or contact Marsha Cott, or 913-327-8100.