“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
- Nelson Henderson
Join the Legacy Society
Planned Giving to The J
Did you know there are creative ways to support The J in which you and your loved ones benefit at the same time?
Such giving techniques are called "planned gifts," because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you and The J. These future gifts help enhance The J's mission and vision. By becoming part of the Legacy Society, you enrich The J community for years to come.
Legacy Gift
You can make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime. Make a gift from your will or trust.
How it works:
- Include a bequest to The J in your will or trust.
- Make your bequest unrestricted or direct it to a specific purpose here.
- Indicate a specific dollar amount, or a percentage of the balance remaining in your estate, trust, or specific asset (IRA, life insurance policy).
Benefits:
- Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime.
- You can modify your bequest to address changing circumstances.
- You can direct your bequest to a particular purpose (be sure to check with us to make sure your gift can be used as intended).
The Impact of Legacy Giving
"We are passionate about helping to repair the world, in our own unique way. Our plan integrates both the values we want to sustain and the issues and organizations we support. The J holds a special place in our lives. We met as teenagers at a BBYO event. Both of our children attended the CDC and Camp. We both have served on the Board. The J plays an important role to strengthen our community. We are humble and proud to support The J with a legacy gift."
- Shanny & Eric Morgenstern
"The J is the center of our Jewish community, where people of all ages, denominations and backgrounds gather together to enjoy life. It is also the place in which our family’s lives have centered! Our family has grown up at The J; In fact, we joined before the building was even complete! We’ve spent countless hours exercising, swimming, attending pre-school and after-school programs, laughing as campers and counselors, applauding at concerts, plays and lectures, learning about Judaism, and watching our parents and grandparents take joy in programming for seniors. All of these wonderful experiences have also created lifelong friendships for my family and me. Our goal in leaving a planned Legacy gift to The J is to ensure future families will be able to love The J as their home away from home – just as we do today."
-The Azorsky Family
"We proudly participate at The Jewish Community Center, an organization at the crossroads of our diverse Jewish community and the greater Kansas City community. The J provides a great tent in which all are welcome, all have a place, and all have an opportunity to make themselves and the world better. Our commitment of time and resources aims to help The J best achieve its mission: enhancing wellness, meaning and joy within an environment built upon Jewish values, heritage and culture. The J’s very existence stands in testament to the famous challenge from Rabbi Hillel, 'When I am for myself alone, what am I?' We are not alone, and must work together in order to live together. To thrive, we must support the institutions that strengthen our community. As we look back on our lives, we want to be able to say, 'This is who we are and what we have done to help build our community.'"
- Ace Allen & Donna Oberstein
"The J has been such an important part of not only our Jewish community but the entire community for over a century. It has been such a big part of our family’s lives for decades including participating in BBYO, sports activities, Barney Goodman Camp, volunteering on the Board and serving as Chair of The J Board, and so much more. Our family was able to see firsthand what tremendous effort and teamwork it takes every single day to run such a vibrant facility. All of us have created great memories at The J and have been fortunate enough to have met so many wonderful people. That’s why we wanted to do our small part by leaving a legacy to help perpetuate the effects of this fantastic organization for our entire community.”
- Sharon & Jeff Mallin
"My legacy for the Jewish Community Center involves three generations. I am usually at The J seven days a week participating in many activities, including fitness training, cultural activities, educational programs, the Heritage Center and more. The J is a hub, a central place important for the Jewish and broader community. I feel privileged to leave some legacy to the next generation of future members."
- Alan Poisner
"For more than 70 years The J has been an important part of our lives. Together with our children and grandchildren, we have participated in a wide variety of activities which have been a benefit to us in so many ways. Now, through the Legacy Society, we can do our share to help The J continue its good work for the benefit of the entire community."
- Kathy & Bob DeWitt, Allison DeWitt
Become a Member of The J Legacy Society
For more information on these types of giving, please contact Cindy Bodker, Director of Philanthropy, at 913-981-8807.
Thank You to Our Legacy Society Donors
Donna Oberstein & Ace Allen
Elizabeth Appelbaum
Diane & Steve Azorsky
Stacey & Rick Belzer
Cindy & Fred Bodker
Harvey S. Bodker*
Bonnie & Herb Buchbinder
Gloria & Stephen Cohen
Sheryl & Ron Davidow
Allison DeWitt
Kathy & Bob DeWitt
William & Doris Edelman*
Rhonda & David Eigenberg
Sandy & David Eisenberg
Beatrice & Steve Fine
Rhonda & Jeff Fromm
Larry Fry
Susie & Paul* Gershon
Karen and Jeffry Gerson
Susie & Ronald* Goldsmith
Margaret & Larry Goldstein
Marlis Grad
Evie & Bob Grant
Phyllis & Rudy* Green
Gail & Allen Gutovitz
Alana Muller & Marc Hammer
Susan A. & Steve J. * Hammer
Judy & Rich Hastings
Shirley & Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr
Betty & Lenny Hershman
Gail & Harry Himmelstein
Jenny & John Isenberg
Rosalyn & Howard Jacobson
Sheryl & Andrew Kaplan
Barry Kaseff
Rhea Salasche & Harold Kaseff
Stephanie & Kurt Kavanaugh
Jan & Dave Knopke
Ellen & Stephen Kort
Rachel Krantz & Edward Goldstein
Barbara & Allen Lefko
Gayle & Ronald Levin
Robin Levine
Janet Mark & Frank Lipsman
Jill & Jim Maidhof
Sharon & Jeff Mallin
Doris & William Mendel
Shanny & Eric Morgenstern
Bailey & Josh Nakelsky
Jerry, Leah, & Jonah Nash
Maggie Osgood Nicholls & Jacob Nicholls
Jodi & Michael Novicoff
Janice Panknin
Sharon Lowenstein Poisner & Alan Poisner
Sara & Dave Roesler
Mary Beth Rohlf
Ellen & Edward* Rose
Gerald Rosenblum*
Rachel Rubin
Lisa & Ken Schifman
Barbara & Jerry Shapiro
Marian & Brad Shear*
Ruth & Nathan Shechter*
Merna & Sylvan z”l Siegler
Noah & Rachel Slabotsky
Scott & Denise Slabotsky
Julie & Jim Sluyter
Staenberg Family Foundation
Lydia DeWitt Steinberg
Donna & Harvey Thalblum
Wallace Weber
Gail & Gary Weinberg
Shirley & Lewis White*
Joyce & Stan Zeldin
*of Blessed Memory
As of Sept. 17, 2025
Planned Giving Resources
- Jewish Community Foundation - Planned Giving
- For more information on other types of giving, please contact Cindy Bodker, Director of Philanthropy, by email or at 913-981-8807.
- Please consult your accountant (CPA) for the current tax policies and benefits.
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