“For of those of whom much is given, much is required” quoted John F. Kennedy from the bible (Luke 12:48). These words of noblesse oblige do not appear in Jean Shafiroff’s new book “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make A Life By What You Give” but many others expressing a similar philosophy do. Last night I attended a launch party for the book at the beautiful Park Avenue home of Jean and Martin Shafiroff, which included a who’s who of fashion and publishing names in attendance.
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| Jean Shafiroff |
Jean looked lovely, regal, and ready for spring in a strapless floral Carolina Herrera ball gown with train as she held court over the throng of 200 reporters, photographers and friends. Georgina Bloomberg, who wrote the introduction to the book was there in red, matching the small book’s cover.
Also spied at various points in the evening were Zang Toi in one of the eared ski hats from his recent Fall 2016 collection, Victor deSouza in a festive Saint Laurent silk bomber, promoting a sneak peak at a lipstick from his new makeup line, Maggie Norris, Lauren Ezersky, Valerie Steele, B Michael, and “Incomparable Rose Hartman” who told me of her SXSW documentary which includes a cameo of Jean. (Watch the trailer here.)
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| Jean with Scott Elkins & Georgina Bloomberg |
Just back from Palm Beach where she promoted her book over the weekend, Jean spoke briefly about her views on philanthropy. “We all have so many gifts — our time and knowledge are important. It isn’t always about just writing a check,” she said although she admitted that those are always welcome too. Her book will guide you through how to get started by researching and choosing a charity that you feel passionate about, how to get involved, how to treat volunteers and donors.
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| Valerie Steele, Lauren Ezerky & Rose Hartman |
“What you give, you get” remarked Ms. Shafiroff who currently serves on seven boards including the New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, The Museum of FIT’s Couture Council, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Southampton Animal Shelter and the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation.
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| Cassendra Seidenfeld, Randi Schatz, Paola Rosenshein Yaz Hernandez |
I recently unearthed a gem from a 2010 article in New York Magazine which ranked the most photographed faces in NYC. Our gal Jean was listed at #4; I dare to think that her popularity has not dimmed and may even have increased in the years since. So, as long as there are charities to support, not to mention ball gowns to don, we will continue to see Jean out on the circuit, her well coiffed head far from uneasy wearing the couture crown.
– Laurel Marcus
