Donations to support Elmwood Cemetery, a historic cemetery and memorial to Kansas City’s Jewish heritage, will be matched two-to-one for the remainder of 2025.
In honor of his father, WWI veteran Major Clarence A. McGuire, longtime supporter John McGuire has pledged to match all year-end donations two-to-one, up to $25,000. Every dollar invested before Dec. 31 turns into three dollars for Elmwood. Donation information is available at elmwoodcemeterykc.org/mcguire-matching-donation.
“This match is a powerful way to honor the families who built our community,” said Simon Abrahms, president of the Board of Trustees of Elmwood Cemetery. “Contribution directly supports the preservation of these historic grounds, ensuring they remain a place of beauty and respect for generations to come.”
Preserving this 153-year-old sanctuary requires regular attention. In 2025, Elmwood faced significant challenges, including vandalism that necessitated extensive security upgrades and lighting improvements. Critical repairs were also made to the administrative offices and aging water lines infrastructure.
With over 1,800 Jewish burials, Elmwood serves as the final resting place for the community's founders, including the city's first rabbi, Rabbi Marcus Cohen, and the eight founding families of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Helen Baum, believed to be the first local Jewish burial in 1865, is interred at Elmwood’s Block H section. Walking the grounds means walking among the legacies of the Kander, Bloch, Rieger, Sachs, Helzberg and Feld families who shaped Kansas City’s civic and business landscape.
More information about Elmwood and donating is available at elmwoodcemeterykc.org.