JEAN SHAFIROFF'S ANNUAL WOMEN'S FOUNDATION FETE

Jean Shafiroff With Anne E. Delaney, Ana Oliveira And Soledad O'Brien

Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff hosted the annual New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF) Luncheon at Le Cirque in New York City. The intimate event featured a stimulating panel conversation on generational philanthropy with Helen LaKelly Hunt (Founder & President of The Sister Fund; Founder & Chair Emerita of The New York Women’s Foundation) and her daughter Leah Hunt-Hendrix (activist, organizer and Co-Founder/Director of Solidaire). The discussion was moderated by journalist Soledad O’Brien, whose foundation, The Starfish Foundation, is an NYWF Grantee Partner.

During the panel discussion, the mother/daughter duo discussed several philanthropy-related topics, including what they have learned from one another. Helen LaKelly Hunt credited her daughter with teaching her how to create a ‘ground movement’ and noted that she taught her daughter “the importance of love in philanthropy,” adding that for those who give money, “it should be treated as coming from our hearts, not just our checks.”

The two women also discussed their recently launched initiative, The Hildegard Fund, which is partnering with the NYWF to address the persisting wage gap that exists, particularly for women of color. The initiative will help by leveraging grant-making, public education, and advocacy to amplify women’s voices in a newly evolving economy.

Following the panel discussion, Ms. Shafiroff shared a story of how her own daughter’s passion for philanthropy influenced her long-standing involvement with a non-profit organization that supports animals. She went on to share how a friend introduced her to the NYWF, and also discussed why it is imperative for women to help women, and how we all must help one another.

Ms. Shafiroff generously hosts the annual luncheon as a precursor for The New York Women’s Foundation’s annual Fall Gala which will take place at The Plaza on October 15th, and will honor the creators of the Tony Award-winning musical, FUN HOME, Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori; Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and Citi (the award will be accepted by Barbara Desoer, CEO of Citibank). Hoda Kotb will serve as the event’s mistress of ceremony, and guests will be treated to a special performance of FUN HOME. For more information on the Gala, please visit HERE.

Guests in attendance included: Jean Shafiroff (Hostess, NYWF Board member), Helen LaKelly Hunt (Founder & President of The Sister Fund; Founder & Chair Emerita of The New York Women’s Foundation), Leah Hunt-Hendrix (activist, organizer and Co-Founder/Director of Solidaire), Soledad O’Brien (Moderator; Journalist & CEO of Starfish Media Group; Founder of the Starfish Foundation), Anne E. Delaney (Gala Co-Chair and Board Chair), Ana Oliveira (NYWF President and CEO), and members of the NYWF Board of Directors, including: Joyce B. Cowin, Susan R. Cullman, Virginia Day, Jennifer Giacobbe, Grainne McNamara, Michele Penzer and Janet M. Riccio. Additional guests in attendance included: Margo M. Langenberg, Francine Lefrak, Margo Catsimatidis, Sharon Bush, Judith Price, Dana Auslander, Kamie Lightburn and Elise McCabe Thompson, among others.

ABOUT New York Women’s Foundation: is a cross-cultural alliance that catalyzes partnerships and leverages human and financial capital to achieve sustained economic security and justice for women, girls and families in New York City. The Foundation identifies innovative organizations that are effecting change for women in the communities they serve and strategically funds the programs and organizations that move women, girls and families toward long-term economic security through individual transformation and systemic change, mobilizing leaders and community partners as philanthropists and agents of change.

Photo By: Annie Watt