The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) recently worked on a legacy gift from Susan Fisher (z”l) that reflects her lifelong values and enduring connection to Kansas City.
Though Fisher spent much of her adult life in England, she was born and raised in the Kansas City area and never lost her sense of belonging to the community that shaped her. Upon her passing in September 2023, Susan established a 10-year charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT), creating the Susan Fisher Fund at JCF. Her intention was clear: to give back to the community that supported her mother, Zelda Cohen (z”l), during her later years, especially the services that allowed Cohen to remain in her home independently.
A portion of the annual distribution is being granted to Jewish Family Services (JFS) to support Jet Express, a volunteer-based transportation service for older adults, and Help@Home, which provides in-home support to help seniors live safely and independently.
"These generous gifts supporting Help@Home and JET Express allow JFS to provide high quality, dependable minor home repairs and access to services that help older adults maintain their independence in their own homes and provide safe, door-to-door transportation to older adults who are no longer able to drive," said Debbie Bass, JFS chief development officer.
The remainder of the fund will continue to be stewarded by JCF in partnership with JFS and Fisher’s daughter, Michelle Sylvester. Together, they will identify additional opportunities within JFS that align with Fisher’s charitable vision, ensuring that her legacy evolves thoughtfully and continues to meet the needs of the community.
"I’m looking forward to working with JCF to identify additional areas that will benefit vulnerable seniors in our community," Sylvester said. "My grandmother, great-aunt and uncle benefitted from the various outreach programs offered, and I’m excited to be able to give back on their behalf."
Fisher worked with Donald Friend, her attorney, to create the CLAT.
"One of my goals in working with Susan was to make sure her wishes were accomplished as she wanted and hopefully in a tax-efficient manner," Friend said. "I think the CLAT accomplished her goals."
This gift is an example of how JCF collaborates with individuals, their families and their professional advisors to bring their philanthropic visions to life. Whether through legacy planning, donor advised funds or more complex giving vehicles like CLATs, JCF helps donors create personalized giving strategies that reflect their values and make a lasting impact.
More information about charitable gift planning is available by contacting Suzanne Galblum Dicken at JCF at or (913) 327-8286.
