When Ann Stern and Donna Gould-Cohen teamed up to co-chair the B’nai Mitzvah Fundraising Campaign for Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) Kesher Food Pantry, they didn’t just inspire families to give — they helped raise more than $350,000 to stock the food pantry with essentials for neighbors in need.
The B’nai Mitzvah Fundraising Campaign, rooted in the Jewish value of tikkun olam, activated dozens of local families to honor the food pantry’s 13th anniversary milestone with community impact.
A longtime JFS volunteer, Stern has supported the JFS Food Pantry, mental health programs and fundraising initiatives. Her leadership on the B’nai Mitzvah Campaign reflects her passion for connecting the community with hands-on giving. As a member of JFS’ Legacy Society, her legacy commitment through a bequest will ensure that the JFS Food Pantry and other JFS programs will continue to support families for years to come.
“I believe we all need a little support at times in our life, and when we’re able, we give back by helping others,” Stern said.
Gould-Cohen has also been a longtime advocate for JFS programs and services, from food security to older adult support.
“My family and I appreciate the great work JFS does, providing necessary mental health counseling, helping older adults live safely in their homes and distributing food so people don’t go hungry,” Gould-Cohen said.
Gould-Cohen’s ability to engage new families and inspire participation was key to the fundraiser’s success. Donna’s legacy gift, designating JFS as a beneficiary of her retirement plan, strengthens the organization’s endowment and guarantees long-term impact.
By creating a legacy gift, donors like Stern and Gould-Cohen help JFS ensure food security for local families; provide mental health support and crisis intervention; deliver older adult services, including transportation and help at home; and work to sustain a strong Jewish community for generations.
Legacy gifts can range from a line in a will to a retirement-account designation to a charitable annuity. This gift leaves a permanent legacy on Kansas City’s Jewish community.
“Having Ann and Donna in our Legacy Society is an incredible gift to JFS,” JFS Chief Development Officer Debbie Bass said. “They are incredible role models. Their leadership today ensures that future generations of Kansas City will continue to find help, hope and resources right here at home.”
More about joining the JFS Legacy Society is available by contacting the JFS Development Office at jfskc.org/ways-to-give.
