Women Give From the Heart and Lend a Helping Hand

Women are commonly described as kind, compassionate and empathetic. They also can be described as proactive, accomplished and the decision-maker in their respective families. The Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy division is the place to turn these words into action.

A women’s personal journey to giving can begin from many different avenues, but all roads lead to the same destination: Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy. For some, the journey started with a decision to make financial sacrifices, knowing there were others in the world that were needy. For others, it was a need to connect and network with other Jewish families at a time when Palm Beach County was not the fourth largest Jewish community in the United States. For some, a feeling of religious affiliation or a concern for Israel didn’t become important until later on in life. And, for others, it was a way to meet like-minded people who want to find a place to give back and become more involved.

Women’s Philanthropy is the place for these commitments, and more. It is a place where women of all interests and levels of involvement can make a difference in the lives of so many. It is a place where the traditions and heritage of the past meets the current needs and concerns of the Jewish people and the critically important planning for the future of the community. It is a place for new friendships and connections to be made.

“Women’s Philanthropy, at its core, is a sisterhood of caring, nurturing and involved women that is a place not only to raise funds, but a place to engage women to develop programs, educate each other and take action on a number of social issues that have an impact,” said Amy Jonas, Women’s Philanthropy Campaign chair.

In Palm Beach County, women have made a notable difference in the Jewish community – from those that have served in leadership positions at all levels of Federation (five serving in the office of Federation president) to bringing forth initiatives and programs that have enhanced the community. Almost half of Federation’s Annual Campaign – the funds that provide for the growing and changing needs of the local and global Jewish community – come from women’s gifts.

During the past couple of years, Women’s Philanthropy has evolved to reach out to women when and where it is convenient for them – on the weekends, around lunchtime and in their neighborhoods, for example. Its doors are open to be inclusive and offer a variety of programming, making certain that Jewish women who want to make a difference have a number of ways to be involved. Past activities included:

• An outreach event featuring Angella Nazarian, an Iranian Jewish woman who immigrated to the United States during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, attracting hundreds of women at two different locations to listen to her compelling story.
• Last year’s Pride of our Lions: A Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy brunch that invited women to bring their family members – mothers, daughters and granddaughters – making the event mutli-generational.
• A community-wide event called Connect that provides opportunities for women throughout the greater Palm Beaches to meet for a common cause.
• The inauguration of the Women’s Legacy Society, which allows women to make a statement of how they want to impact the future through the commitment they make today.
• A Young Women’s Forum that provides educational programs and social action activities for women under age 45 who want to make a difference in the Jewish community even with a busy family and professional life.

“You give what you can give, but your time is also needed and appreciated,” said Vivian Lieberman, Women’s Philanthropy president. “Getting involved is important because we all live in this community and we need to support our issues. We need to give back in a meaningful way.”

Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy invites women to join our efforts of building community together. There are many ways women can fulfill their philanthropic interests in educational and engaging ways, including exclusive community and outreach events, and seminars with special guest speakers.

Upcoming Women’s Philanthropy Events:

Monday, February 27 Pride of Our Lions: A Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy Featuring an evening with singer Lesley Wolman Marjorie Berg, Lynn Kaston and Jennifer Lesser, Event Co-Chairs Sheila Engelstein, Honorary Chair The Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach Minimum Women’s Philanthropy gift $6,000

Monday, March 12 Connect Event Amy Garelick, Renee Lempert and Lisa Seymour, Co-Chairs Amy Dow and Karen List, Vice Chairs Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach Minimum Women’s Philanthropy gift $365