REP. CAROLYN MALONEY HOSTS JEAN SHAFIROFF

Jean Shafiroff And Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney hosted a breakfast in her Upper East Side home to honor Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist and Author of new book Successful Philanthropy: How To Make a Life by What You Give. The invitation-only event took place on Monday, May 9th, 2016 between 8:00am and 9:30am.

Guests included: Carolyn Maloney, Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff, Scott Elkins, Olivia Elkins, Victor de Souza, Montgomery Frazier, Mark D. Friedman, Paola Bacchini-Rosenshein, Erik Bottcher, Joseph Fichera, Jim Farah, J.D. Thompson, Cynthia Rothstein, Eileen Sorota, Christina Ramelli, Robin Cofer, Steven Ludsin, Teri Koff, Gary Ross, Lee Fryd, Tony Bowles and Anka Palitz.

Victor de Souza

At the event, guests enjoyed a light breakfast before given the chance to learn more about Shafiroff’s book. Congresswoman Maloney opened by welcoming the guests and congratulating Jean Shafiroff on her book and her continuous work as one of the most important philanthropists in New York, currently on the board of seven different charities. The Congresswoman went on to emphasize the important task that lies on Congress to maintain charitable deductions to encourage more people to donate money towards important causes such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation that the Congresswoman herself supports. The Congresswoman then introduced author and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.

Lee Fryd

Shafiroff thanked everyone for attending the event and went on to introduce her book Successful Philanthropy: How To Make a Life by What You Give and the concepts it addresses. She communicated the purpose of the book, which is a guide to finding a meaningful cause to volunteer time, knowledge and funds to, and that it was written to inspire those interested in philanthropy who may not know where to begin. A Q&A was also held where guests, among other things, wondered how Shafiroff first got introduced to the idea of philanthropy and philanthropic giving. Shafiroff explained that she has long been dedicated to helping others and that her upbringing had a major influence on her philanthropic work. In her book she mentions the importance of teaching philanthropy both at home and in schools. Jean ended the Q&A by introducing the author of her book’s foreword Scott Elkins, who is the CEO of SE Advisors and a philanthropist of 20 years.

Elkins, who attended the event with one of his daughters, addressed the room with a few words about his own involvement in charitable causes, and how he has worked with many esteemed charities such as Cambridge University and currently as the US Campaign Director for the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust at Oxford University. He saluted Shafiroff for her passionate spirit in giving to others and, as Shafiroff, stressed that anyone can give.

Shafiroff’s new book Successful Philanthropy: How To Make a Life by What You Give, a practical guide offering advice for modern giving that redefines philanthropy for today’s era. Shafiroff comments that, “Describing yourself as a philanthropist may seem odd at first. For some people, being a philanthropist sounds like something limited only to those who give large financial gifts. But the truth is that philanthropy is accessible to anyone.”

Successful Philanthropy: How To Make a Life by What You Give [Hatherleigh Press/Penguin Random House] is available to order in Hardcover and E-Reader on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indiebound [ISBN 978-1578266173]. The book is also available for purchase wherever books are sold.

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist and humanitarian, is considered to be at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. Jean's philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions and includes the gifts of extensive time and knowledge. Through her work she encourages and seeks to empower all individuals to become philanthropists so that they can build the fulfillment of giving into their lives.

A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women’s rights and well-being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes. Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Honorary Board, and Southampton Bath & Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation. Widely recognized for her philanthropic work, Jean has been recognized and featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Gotham Magazine, The New York Times, New York Social Diary, Avenue, Hamptons Magazine, and The Huffington Post, among others.

Jean works closely with the multiple causes she supports. Each year she chairs numerous galas and hosts events benefiting numerous not-for-profit organizations. She is particularly well-known for her leadership in raising money for many charities, including the Southampton Hospital, New York City Mission Society, New York Women's Foundation and Southampton Animal Shelter. Jean has been honored by several organizations including the New York City Mission Society, Youth Counseling League, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Surgeons of Hope, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, and Animal Zone International.

Jean holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has worked both in public finance and private partnerships on Wall Street. Prior to that, she was a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. Jean is married to Martin Shafiroff, an investment advisor, and together they have two daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth, who share their mother’s interest in charitable causes. Jean and her family reside in both New York City and Southampton, NY.

For more information about Jean Shafiroff and Successful Philanthropy, please visit www.jeanshafiroff.com.