When it comes to women’s philanthropy, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is inspiring and engaging women of all ages. Shari Schulhoff, co-chair of the Thanksgiving Mitzvah project for the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Women’s Philanthropy division, says “I love women’s philanthropy. All of these women are coming together for the greater good of our community.”
The Women’s Philanthropy group has multiple events that give back to both Cincinnati and the Jewish community.
This past summer, Women’s Philanthropy raised $3,000 to purchase 300 care bags from Dignity Grows, a national organization. “They supplied us with shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and women’s hygiene products, along with the bags,” says the event organizer, Marsha Barsman. “A group of women came together in July to assemble the bags, which we then donated to Freestore Food Bank, Gospel City Mission, Lighthouse, and Jewish Family Service.”
Barsman said they were able to reach their goal of $3,000 within hours because Women’s Philanthropy was so excited and willing to help the community. “There’s certainly the need in Cincinnati for these bags. Because of the pandemic, many people have lost their jobs or their homes through no fault of their own, and we try to help the women in our community by giving them these tools.”
This was the second year of a new initiative called Honey Cakes and Challah. Last year, when many seniors were homebound during the High Holidays due to the pandemic, Women’s Philanthropy helped package and distribute honey cakes to every Jewish senior at The Kenwood by Senior Star, Cedar Village, and The Seasons.
“It was such an easy thing to do,” said Jessica Kuresman, the vice chair of Women’s Philanthropy. “And it meant so much to the people who received one. It was an easy decision to do it again this year.”
The Thanksgiving Mitzvah is a signature event for Women’s Philanthropy. Along with Schulhoff, 2021’s event chairs were Vallie Freeman, Emily Werbel, Jessica Kuresman, and Carrie Goldhoff. A small group of women came together at the Jewish Family Service Heldman Family Food Pantry in Clifton to prepare 120 Thanksgiving meals for families in the Cincinnati community.
“I love this event in particular because it is about Thanksgiving,” Schulhoff says. “It’s not a religious holiday. It’s a holiday for families; it’s a holiday for all of us to give thanks for what we’ve been given.”
Kuresman agrees with Schulhoff that it’s important to reach beyond the Jewish community. “We’re going out there showing that, while we do take care of our Jewish community, we also extend beyond and take care of Cincinnati as a whole.”
The Women’s Philanthropy events are still limited in the number of participants due to COVID, but for Schulhoff, having smaller groups is actually a benefit. “There are always so many women wanting to help at these events. But with limiting to 10 or
15 people, you really feel like you’re making an impact. In the past, maybe you’d make one meal bag, but now you’re able to make 10.” It’s also a more intimate experience for those involved, and it helps lower the barrier of entry for new volunteers. “I’m seeing more and more new women volunteers at these events,” Kuresman says. “I love seeing the new faces and learning about what sparked them to want to volunteer.”
Even though fewer women can physically be together, Schulhoff says that hasn’t stopped them from donating. Even after all the items on the Thanksgiving list had been donated, women still donated directly to the Jewish Family Service Heldman Family Food Pantry. “There’s a real passion that these women have, and it’s great to see.”
Looking for a place to give back? Everyone is welcome. Contact the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati at jewishcincinnati.org.