8th
Lee Greif
Lee Greif has been the owner and manager of numerous businesses throughout his life. Even though he is always busy managing these businesses he has always made time to volunteer for charities and non-profits as well. Just as he has shown remarkable commitment to his business ventures, he has shown the same behaviour with his charitable work as well. He will often help out these organizations for years at a time while serving as a board member, or sometimes even the Chairman.
One example of an organization where he donated much time and money is the Learning Exchange of Greater Kansas. This is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to help out schools in the Kansas City area by giving teachers a place to practice that is non-judgmental, and by aiding students who are in need of help. Greif played a major role in the early development as he served as Chairman of the Board and on many committees. The decisions that Greif would make during this early time in the organization’s history were crucial to the growth and success of the organization This is a program that is still being run today. It features a make-believe city where children are urged to get jobs or start their won businesses. It has done wonders in teaching children about becoming an adult and entering the workforce.
He has also dedicated much time and funds to his personal congregation of Temple B’Nai Jehudah. He served as Vice President of the Congregation and a member of the board of directors for many years. He has served on Temple committees
committee to select a new Rabbi, numerous fund-raising efforts and as well as the committee responsible for choosing the location of the new Temple. Because of his longtime service to the Temple, he has often been honored by being seated in front of the congregation on the altar during service.
There have been many other companies and charities that Lee Greif has donated his time and money to throughout his life. Just a few of these include the The Jewish Heritage Foundation, The Kansas City Jewish Federation, Center for Management Assistance, the Holocaust Memorial Dinner, and the Shalom Geriatric Center. The Center for Management Assistance is an organization that provides management assistance for not-for-profit organizations. The Holocaust Memorial Dinner was a fundraising occasion that was meant to raise money to build a new Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. Greif organized and chaired this dinner and through the efforts of him and 1000 other generous souls, it was able to raise about $1.2 million towards the new building effort. Finally, Shalom Geriatric Center is a residential facility that provides care to senior citizens. Greif has contributed money, time, and advice, and counsel to this organization over the many years that he has volunteered his time there.
