Making a name

While the names of facilities like “Gidwitz Place” and “Friend Center” are well known to members of the Chicago Jewish community, the name of the woman who helped establish those facilities-Donna Kahan-may not be.

For decades, Kahan-Senior Associate Vice President of JUF’s Legacies and Endowments Department-has helped JUF and its family of agencies match donors’ philanthropic passions with projects in need of funding.

“I’m inspired by the people who make generous gifts to memorialize their family and create a lasting memory in their honor,” Kahan said.

For her dedication and contributions to CJE SeniorLife, Kahan will be honored by the agency with its inaugural Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Professional Services Award at Celebrate CJE 2022 on Sept. 18 at the Westin Chicago North Shore. Stand-up star Rita Rudner will headline.

“This is very flattering,” Kahan said. “I would never have expected this in a million years. I have been overjoyed just working with my colleagues, providing very valuable services and great relief to people who need it.”

The gala event will celebrate CJE, a JUF partner which has helped seniors pursue meaning, independence, and good health for 50 years. Heschel, who was a scholar, activist, and the namesake of CJE’s inaugural award, famously said: “A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old,” a philosophy that CJE has operated by since its inception. 

The Albert and Lucille Delighter and Marcella Winston Foundation, and the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation, will also each receive a special 50th Anniversary Philanthropic Award. Standup comedian Rita Rudner-the star of the longest-running solo female comedy show in Las Vegas history- will headline the gala.

One of Kahan’s early successes was the gift that ensured funding for CJE’s transportation program for seniors. You may be familiar with the iconic Shalom Buses-that honor the Galter family-on the streets of Chicago and its suburbs.

Another one of Kahan’s CJE projects honor Joe Gidwitz, CJE’s first president and the namesake of Gidwitz Place for Assisted Living-housed on the Weinberg Community for Senior Living in Deerfield.

Kahan also helped secure the gift for the Friend Center for Memory Care, which serves people with early dementia and is also housed on the Weinberg campus.

Currently, Kahan is working with CJE on a booklet that will help the elderly manage their finances.   

“We need to take care of our elderly,” Kahan said, “and having wonderful facilities-that provide safety, dignity, and socialization, with happy friendships made-add quality of life for people as they age.”

For more information about Celebrate CJE 2022, visit cje.net/celebratecje2022.