After months of restoration and upgrades, the Belzer Garden at The Jewish Community Campus marked its grand reopening on December 19.
Family and friends of the late Dave Belzer, The J’s executive director from 1984 until his passing in 1992, gathered to rededicate the garden and honor Dave’s memory.
During the ceremony, Jim Sluyter, current president and CEO of the J, paid tribute to Dave’s legacy.
“I have deep appreciation and admiration for those who built the foundation upon which this great institution is built,” Sluyter said. “My family and I, as well as countless others, have been beneficiaries of the great work that Dave and the great leaders that preceded him have done.”
At the rededication, Dave’s daughter, Kori, spoke about how much The J has meant to their family over the years. Dave’s wife, Fayna, added that she was touched by the upgrades to the garden and was thankful for The J’s efforts in keeping the garden and Dave’s memory alive.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees moved into the theatre galleria where they shared in warm stories about Dave Belzer from past board chairs, including Robert DeWitt and Howard Jacobson. Dave’s son, Rick, and Rick’s wife, Stacey, organized a family reunion in Kansas City and coordinated the coffee bar and breakfast reception that followed the dedication.
One story in particular seemed to resonate with guests in the same way it had resonated with Jacobson.
Jacobson spoke of meeting Belzer in the 1960s and working with him at The J until the time came when Belzer became CEO as Jacobson held various positions on the board. Jacobson, who comes from a financial background, received advice from Dave that he wanted to share again on Sunday.
“When making important decisions, go with what you feel in your heart, not only what you think in your mind,” Jacobson recalled Belzer telling him.
Beginning in the early fall, the Belzer Garden underwent a much-needed facelift after years of wear and tear had broken down the once scenic and contemplative space. The garden was first installed in 1993, a year after Belzer’s passing, initially to memorialize and honor Belzer himself. Since the original installation, the garden had grown to include hundreds of brick pavers purchased by members of the community to mark special occasions or to honor loved ones.
Brick pavers are still available for purchase in the Belzer Garden to remember a loved one; to commemorate a birthday, wedding anniversary, bar or bat mitzvah or graduation; or to convey a loving message to another.
Pavers are tax deductible and are offered in various sizes, starting at $180. A portion of the purchase of each paver supports scholarships and other initiatives designed to provide wellness, meaning, and joy to the greater Kansas City community.
Visit www.thejkc.org/belzergarden for more information, or contact Allison DeWitt at 913-327-8001 or with questions.