For many people, legacy planning often evokes the image of passing on an inheritance to family members. However, the story of the Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund shows a compelling alternative: entrusting friends who have become like family with a charitable inheritance. As Irene Kohn, one of two friends Anita Hersh designated as successors on her donor advised fund so eloquently put it, “The greatest gift that Anita could have given us was the gift of being able to do good in her name.”
A Friendship Forged in Business and Life
Irene Kohn and Jeanne-Marie Champagne, longtime friends and former colleagues of Anita Hersh, now steward a substantial charitable fund. Their journey offers insights into the world of legacy planning and its profound impact on both the donor and the successors.
Anita Hersh, Irene, and Jeanne-Marie first crossed paths in the early 1980s at Lister Butler, a consulting firm specializing in corporate and brand identity services. Initially leading the design function, Anita ascended to partner and eventually CEO.
“As often happens, our professional relationship blossomed into a friendship that has endured through the years,” Jeanne-Marie fondly recalls. Their bond deepened over time, with Anita becoming an integral part of Jeanne-Marie’s family and a cherished neighbor to both women in Manhattan and the Hamptons.
Anita’s Core Values and Philanthropic Interests
Anita Hersh was renowned for her unwavering work ethic and profound dedication to her friendships. “She was the most dedicated individual I’ve ever encountered,” Jeanne-Marie shared. Beyond her professional achievements, Anita harbored a passion for the arts, particularly theater and music, and demonstrated a commitment to Holocaust education and elder care.
As a child of Holocaust survivors, Anita felt a deep personal connection to Holocaust-related causes and elder care. She generously supported organizations like City Meals on Wheels, DOROT, and The Blue Card, which provides vital financial assistance to the elderly in need. Anita was also an avid supporter of the arts and gave generously to organizations like the Park Avenue Armory.
Irene observed, “For Anita, caring for her parents and others was a calling. She understood that true support meant more than just money—it meant offering her time and essential resources.”
A Production of Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Photo Credit: Stephanie Berger.
The Unexpected Responsibility
Following Anita’s untimely death in September 2023, Irene and Jeanne-Marie were designated as Successors of her charitable fund. This responsibility presented both challenges and opportunities.
“It is an immense honor, yet also a profound responsibility, to steward this resource,” Irene reflected. The women are now navigating the complexities of managing a substantial donor advised fund, from making strategic granting decisions to ensuring its longevity and maximizing its impact.
Learning and Growing as Philanthropists
For Irene and Jeanne-Marie, philanthropy is an ongoing journey of discovery. They’re thoughtfully considering which organizations to support, how to make the greatest impact, and the most meaningful way to honor Anita’s memory.
A lesson they’ve learned is the significance of acknowledging Anita in their giving. “Moving forward, we want to acknowledge Anita’s generosity in all that we do,” Irene emphasized. This desire culminated in establishing the Anita K. Hersh Reading Room at the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center in White Plains, a lasting tribute housing Anita’s extensive collection of Holocaust-related literature.
Thoughtful consideration guides Irene and Jeanne-Marie’s philanthropic endeavors. They understand that their resources can be especially impactful for smaller organizations where even a modest donation can significantly advance their mission. “We want our giving to be truly meaningful,” says Jeanne-Marie. “For some organizations, our donation could be the difference between launching a new program and putting a dream on hold.”
Photo courtesy of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center in White Plains, NY
The Power of Legacy Planning
The story of the Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund demonstrates the profound impact of thoughtful legacy planning with a donor advised fund. By entrusting her charitable fund to friends who understood her values and interests, Anita ensured that her philanthropic vision would continue long after her passing.
As Irene and Jeanne-Marie navigate their new roles, they’re not just managing a fund – they’re honoring a friend, continuing a legacy, and impacting causes close to Anita’s heart.
Their story is an inspiring reminder that legacy planning for your donor advised fund can extend beyond family, creating opportunities for continued giving that align with your deepest values and aspirations.
Start Your Legacy Planning Journey Today
Ready to create a lasting philanthropic legacy? Contact the Jewish Communal Fund today to explore how a donor advised fund can help you achieve your charitable giving goals and make a difference for generations to come.