The Jewish Community Foundation recently brought together community leaders for “A New Take on the Positivity Rate,” the latest installment of its Parking Lot Lunch series. Professionals from local Jewish community organizations were invited to reconnect, network, and share positive personal and professional outcomes of the pandemic. The event, which took place outside in the Dan Fingersh Memorial Garden of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, was the Foundation’s first in-person program since March of 2020.
Over boxed lunches, participants shared anecdotes about their pandemic experiences, many noting the impressive generosity displayed by community members dedicated to helping their organizations during the most challenging days of the crisis. Many also expressed appreciation for the strong partnerships between communal organizations and gratitude for the collaborative spirit among leadership that provided support and guidance to one another.
“It was so nice to gather together in such a beautiful space for words of positivity and gratitude,” said Laurie Goldstein, director of Women’s Philanthropy for Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, about the event.
Allison DeWitt, executive assistant of The J, agreed.
“We’re grateful to the Jewish Community Foundation for bringing us together for an informative and engaging luncheon,” she said. “It’s so nice to feel like we are getting back to normal and this type of event is something we all look forward to.”
The gathering illustrates the Foundation’s efforts to help connect communal organizations through their commitment to create a brighter future through planned giving. The Parking Lot Lunch series is part of the Foundation’s Create a Jewish Legacy program which has provided nearly 250 professionals, lay leaders, and clergy with comprehensive development training, consulting, networking opportunities, customized marketing resources, and valuable financial incentives.
The series is funded through a generous endowment by the late Sam and Lucy Gould and gets its memorable name from Sam’s profession as a parking lot owner. The name also acknowledges the fact that some of the most meaningful communal discourse takes place in the parking lot following meetings.
Twenty communal agencies and synagogues have partnered with the Foundation through the Create a Jewish Legacy program. Nearly $65 million has been realized through legacy gifts and endowment support, and more than $75 million is currently promised in future gifts.
For more information about the Create a Jewish Legacy program, please contact Josh Stein at (913) 327-8121 or .