Women’s Philanthropy Today
by Joan Schiffer Levinson, Women’s Philanthropy President
At our 2015 CHOICES event, 300 women celebrated the history of 80 years of women giving in our Greater MetroWest community. We learned that as world events changed and the cost of living rose, basic human rights and needs and hopes and compassion for others was then, and is still now, the cornerstone of Women’s Philanthropy. We learned about the history, the passion, and the momentum that propelled us into the Women’s Philanthropy we are so proud of today.
Women’s Philanthropy is all about making a difference – in the lives of others in need, in the lives of women in our own community who are searching for ways to feel connected to something meaningful, and in our own lives through furthering our education and strengthening our spirituality. Through acts of kindness and philanthropic giving, the power of women sharing a common bond enriches our own lives while enriching the lives of others we may never meet. Outreach and engagement, educational programs, inspirational speakers, community volunteerism, missions that forge global relationships – what a year it has been.
Efforts to collaborate and strengthen relationships with other agencies and departments have been a priority this year. Through our relationship with the Holocaust Council, we were able to bring Hannah Lessing to our Women’s Annual Meeting during her visit from Vienna, where we learned about the role she played in securing restitution and recognition for Austrian-born Holocaust survivors. Joining together with the Federation’s Center for Volunteerism at the upcoming Community Challah Bake in February promises to be an extraordinary event again, as it was in 2014. In May we look forward to hosting Ossi Lankri, a success story of the Partnership Together Ofakim/Merchavim Women’s Empowerment program. As a graduate of the P2G program, Ossi has been recognized and honored by the President of Israel as an award-winning woman entrepreneur who created her own catering business. Federation’s newly established Global Connections department and Women’s Philanthropy collaborated this fall in a fun and meaningful service project during CHOICES by assembling hundreds of Chanukah gift bags which were personally delivered by members of our community throughout our partnerships in Israel and Cherkassy, Ukraine. And a team of 25 women proudly held the Women’s Philanthropy banner at the 15th Annual Run for Rachel, where we joined in the fight against domestic violence and abuse.
Our Women’s Educational Series was a highlight of 2015, as was our largest group of Arthur Borinsky Young Leadership participants, many of whom have already taken on leadership positions. Ladies Night Out, our annual winter outreach event, welcomes all women from neighborhoods across the region in a warm atmosphere with an inspiring speaker.
Women’s Philanthropy is about making an impact. The 2015 Young Women’s Mission to Israel this summer made a life-long impact on those who participated, which will in turn have an impact on countless lives they will touch with their greater understanding of the vital work we do. Our 2015 Women’s Campaign raised more than $7 million from generous, passionate, caring women in our community who understand that what we do truly does change lives, even our own.