By Arielle Levy

As people take time to reflect on the last year and plan for the year ahead, Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy feels gratitude for everyone who has said “yes” – to showing up, to giving, to support, to being an active member of this community. 

The work Shalom Austin accomplishes through WP would not be possible without each and every community member. This year WP did not slow down but rather jumped right in to embracing change and staying committed to engaging, empowering and educating women.  

For many years, WP has hosted the Adult 60+ Luncheons for Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah. When events had to change in 2020, WP adapted. Instead of hosting luncheons this year, outreach efforts were in full force. For Passover, happy holiday calls were made. With more time to prepare for Rosh Hashanah, calls were made, over 200 postcards were sent and 120 honey cakes were delivered. Again, while apart, WP came together and made this happen. Hanukkah plans also include calls, postcards and Hanukkah kits.  

In addition to working in collaboration with Adult 60+ Programming for Hanukkah, WP also connects with Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service to bring a basket of holiday joy to those who Shalom Austin JFS assists throughout the year. Those who receive Hanukkah baskets are individuals who have received emergency financial assistance, items from the food pantry, and other areas of support. In a typical year, a group of women would come together to assemble the baskets, but this year, in taking safety precautions, a small group will prepare the baskets for all. Full or partial sponsorships for families or individuals who receive the baskets were requested to ensure this project would continue to exist this year.   

Thanks to all who contributed monetarily and volunteered to help deliver baskets for Shalom Austin JFS clients, and to all who supported the Hanukkah Adult 60+ outreach efforts.  

Looking ahead to 2021, WP leaders are excited to host the Shalom Austin Campaign Kickoff powered by WP, to bring all women in the community together over the topic of philanthropy. Guest speaker Lisa Friedman Clark has a powerful story to share about the importance and value of community. Save the date for Feb. 3 at noon to launch the campaign year together, in a Zoom room full of remarkable women in the community. More information coming soon.   

WP sends wishes for a happy, healthy 2021. WP cannot wait to see all of the women of Shalom Austin in the year ahead for great things to come as they put the fun in philanthropy. 

It is not too late to make a gift to the Annual Campaign. Please consider doing so by Dec. 31 to ensure that Shalom Austin can continue to serve the community in countless ways.

For more information and to contribute, visit shalomaustin.org/campaign. For more information on Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy, contact Arielle Levy, Women’s Philanthropy and volunteer director, at arielle.levy@shalomaustin.org. ■