16 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JULY 2021
COVER FEATURE
A WOMAN OF STYLE AND SUBSTANCE JEAN SHAFIROFF:
As the world begins to emerge
from the shadow of the Covid-19
pandemic, optimism is high,
with most of the statewide coronavirus
pandemic restrictions
being lifted. But nonprofits
continue to struggle as demand
for assistance remains high and
donations continue to be down.
Discovering what will make
people fully heal has become
the primary mission of Jean
Shafiroff, one of New York’s
and Long Island’s most popular
philanthropists, who splits her
time between Southampton and
Manhattan.
She has often been called the
First Lady of Philanthropy by
many different publications. The
sentiment rings true stronger
than ever as the leader continues
to help communities process,
address, and move forward
from all the heartache caused
by Covid-19.
Her four focus areas are rights
of underserved populations,
healthcare, women’s rights,
and animal rights. Her current
credits of charitable work include
serving on the boards of
the American Humane, Southampton
Hospital Association,
New York City Mission Society,
French Heritage Society, Couture
Council of the Museum at
the Fashion Institute of Technology
(FIT), Global Strays, and
Southampton Animal Shelter
Foundation Honorary Board. She
is also a style icon who supports
the artful work of emerging
designers from across the globe.
Additionally, she is the national
spokesperson and ambassador
for American Humane’s “Feed
the Hungry” Covid-19 program.
Frequently she dedicates time to
speak about the cause on national
and local radio and television
shows. The initiative she is backing
is designed to provide food
for a million shelter animals
across the country by raising $1
million this year.
She has been honored by groups
including Stony Brook Southampton
Hospital, American
Heart Association, American
Cancer Society, New York City
Mission Society, Southampton
Animal Shelter, Surgeons of
Hope, Al Sharpton's National
Action Network, the Ellen
Hermanson Foundation, Pet
Philanthropy Circle, Animal
Zone International, Youth Counseling
League, the New York
City International Film Festival
Foundation, the Jewish Board,
and Hadassah. And in December
2020, Dan's Papers, sister publication
of the Long Island Press,
named her Philanthropist of the
Year at its Power Women of Long
Island awards ceremony.
She has become a popular television
host, writer, and the author
of the book Successful Philanthropy:
How to Make a Life By
What You Give.
As the host and producer of the
television program Successful
Philanthropy, she conducts
interviews with world leaders,
international philanthropists,
politicians and celebrities alike
that air on LTV Television East
Hampton and on other channels
People need to believe in themselves, get involved, and make an impact,
says Jean Shafiroff. (Photo by Nick Mele Photography)
“You have to always be positive and must make
people feel good about who they are,
especially right now.”
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
