Georgina Bloomberg Toasts Jean Shafiroff: An Insider’s Look at NYC And Hamptons Philanthropy

Jean Shafiroff, a well-known Manhattan philanthropist and style icon active on the New York and Hamptons charity circuits, hosted a party at her Park Avenue apartment this week to mark the publication of her first book, “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give.”  Shafiroff writes from deep experience, having spent years raising funds for top philanthropies ranging from the New York City Mission Society to Southampton Hospital.

The book features an introduction from Georgina Bloomberg, who toasted Shafiroff in front of  guests that included Geoffrey Bradfield, Rita Cosby, Alex Donner, Curtis Ellis, Scott Elkins, George and Hillie Gurley, Roy Kean, Carl Kempner, FOX News correspondent Rick Leventhal, Maggie Norris, Anne Rapp, R. Couri Hay, Liliana Cavendish, Stan Rumbough, Martin Shafiroff, Mortimer Zuckerman, and Zang Toi.

During the party Shafiroff gave a speech about why she wrote the book. “When you give, you get,” she said, “and what you get is the reward of knowing that what you are doing is making the world a better place.” She then thanked representatives from many of the foundations she works with including Robert Chaloner, President of the Southampton Hospital, Elise McCabe-Thompson, president of the NYC Mission Society, Valerie Steel, head of The Couture Council, Steve Bernstein, president of Southampton Hospital Board, Anna Oliveira, president of the New  York Women’s Foundation, Yaz Hernandez, President of the Couture Council, Elizabeth Stribling, chairman of the French Heritage Society and the Southampton Animal Shelter. Shafiroff encouraged everyone not only to read the book, but also to find ways to incorporate philanthropy into their own lives.

Successful Philanthropy, a practical guide to modern giving, underscores Shafiroff’s belief that it takes far more than monetary donations; great philanthropy means giving time, knowledge, and resources as well as financial contributions.The book delves into all aspects of philanthropy, from what most boards look for with potential candidates to advice for those who are thinking of starting their own charity. 

Photo credit: ©Patrick McMullan. Photo – J Grassi/ PMC