A collection of experiences by JCF fundholders for JCF fundholders.
One of the many great things about having a fund at the Jewish Community Foundation is connecting with other thoughtful and generous givers. We’ve created a 2025 calendar of complimentary opportunities to socialize, network, and learn with other Foundation fundholders.
Connecting Conversations: Gather to discuss various charitable giving topics, share experiences, and learn about smart new ways to make a philanthropic impact.
Nonprofit Site Visits: Go behind the scenes of area nonprofits to see their missions in action.
We invite you to come to one or come to all! If you have any questions or would like to host or propose a topic for a future event, please contact Suzanne Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or sdicken@jcfkc.org.
2025 Calendar
January
Kansas City Kosher Meals on Wheels
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Peggy & Zandy Davis
Tuesday, January 28 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Torah Learning Center - 8800 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, KS 66212
Go behind the scenes of KC Kosher Meals on Wheels, which prepares and delivers nutritious kosher meals to home-bound seniors and disabled people in the Greater Kansas City area. Thanks to generous volunteers, last year KCKMOW delivered 25,000 meals to those in need.
February
Building Bridges Through Philanthropy in Israel
Connecting Conversation
Hosted by Debbie Sosland Edelman & Alan Edelman
Wednesday, February 26 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Kansas City, MO (address shared upon registration)
Over the last year, we have witnessed Israeli society pushed to the brink by unprecedented challenges. As the region navigates complex and pressing issues, this conversation will provide a safe space to explore ways to support and create positive change. Together, we’ll discuss initiatives and resources that offer hope and resilience, and share practical steps to support impactful causes on the ground. Come with questions, concerns and an open mind.
March
Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Beth & Mike Liss
Tuesday, March 11 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Optional lunch to follow in Ram’s Cafe
5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211
Join us in visiting our community’s only K-12 religious day school. For more than 50 years, HBHA has been committed to working in partnership with parents and students to support the emotional, spiritual, academic, and physical growth of its students.
April
KU Hillel & Chabad of KU
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Eric Kaseff
Tuesday, April 8 | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Optional lunch to follow
Lawrence, KS (meeting location TBA)
Come to Lawrence to visit organizations serving Jewish students at the University of Kansas. KU Hillel connects Jewish students to each other and to their Judaism, inspires and equips the next generation of Jewish leaders, and is building a thriving Jewish community on campus. Chabad at KU seeks to foster a sense of Jewish identity and belonging by engaging Jewish students at their own pace and comfort level in a warm and non-judgmental environment, and by offering innovative educational programs in all areas of Jewish life.
May
Cultivating Philanthropy Through Your Donor Advised Fund
Connecting Conversation
Hosted by Sheryl & Andrew Kaplan
Sunday, May 4 | 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Mound City, KS (address shared upon registration)
Join the Kaplans at their family farm, just an hour from Kansas City, for an engaging discussion about maximizing the impact of your charitable giving through a Donor Advised Fund. Discover strategies to align your giving with your values, support meaningful causes, and create a lasting legacy in your community. Lunch will be served, and children are welcome to enjoy fishing and hayrides during the event.
June
Kanbe’s Markets
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Sandi Fried
Monday, June 23 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
3119 Terrace St., Kansas City, MO 64111
We’re visiting Kanbe’s Markets, which is on a mission to build a more inclusive food system by transforming food loss into food access. Kanbe’s Markets serves the most vulnerable in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area while reducing unnecessary waste of nutritious foods discarded into landfills.
July
Wayside Waifs
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Ann Stern
Monday, July 14 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137
Join us in visiting Kansas City’s largest and most comprehensive no kill pet adoption campus. Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. It serves more than 27,000 pets and people every year through pet adoptions, youth education, canine training programs, and community outreach.
August
Create a Fund with a Vision
Connecting Conversation
Hosted by Lynn & Bill Intrater and other JCF fundholders
Tuesday, August 5 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Leawood, KS (address shared upon registration)
JCF works with donors to bring their philanthropic visions to life. Several families have created special funds at the Foundation to support particular causes or charitable goals, as the Intraters have done with their scholarship fund benefitting JVS employees. Get inspiration and ideas for creating your own fund with a vision, together with fundholders who have utilized the expertise and resources of the Foundation.
October
A Family That Gives Together Grows Together
Connecting Conversation
Hosted by the Krigel Family
Wednesday, October 29 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Leawood, KS (address shared upon registration)
Join the Krigel family for an engaging evening exploring the art of giving as a family. We’ll delve into ways to align your family’s values with impactful philanthropy and discuss creative strategies for involving all generations in giving. Come connect with other families, exchange ideas, and discover ways to create a family tradition of philanthropy.
November
Jackson County CASA
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Martha Gershun
Thursday, Nov. 13 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
2544 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Jackson County CASA’s mission is to be a child’s voice in court. It recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the Jackson County Family Court system until they have a safe and permanent home. This site visit will be hosted by Martha Gershun, community member and former executive director of Jackson County CASA.
