JEWISHcolorado is thrilled to congratulate Elaine Asarch on receiving the prestigious Jewish Federations of North America’s Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award representing the Colorado community. The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award is given to women across the country who demonstrate leadership and inspiration in their Jewish community.

Elaine is a long-standing Lion of Judah donor with JEWISHcolorado and embodies the true spirit of tzedakah and tikkun olam. For over two decades, Elaine has used her role as a community leader to address community challenges and encourage other women to engage in philanthropy and play an active role on the community’s behalf.

In 1992, Elaine was President and Campaign Chair of the Allied Jewish Federation (now known as JEWISHcolorado) Women’s Board and in 2011, became its Annual Campaign Chair. She was also Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), a program of JEWISHcolorado. Elaine has received the Golda Meir, JCRC Leadership, and Volunteer of the Year Awards from JEWISHcolorado.

“As a small child growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, I gave “keren ami” (acts of giving or friend of my people) in Sunday school and Hebrew school to help Jews in Israel and those in need. I hope through my work with JEWISHcolorado that I am teaching this value to my children and grandchildren. We sanctify our own lives when we help others, and it is my hope that my children will continue to do the same. We teach by example,” said Elaine.

In addition to her work with JEWISHcolorado, Elaine is a founder of Denver’s Chai (Community Help and Abuse Information). She has been honored by Denver Jewish Day School and Yeshiva Toras Chaim. She has also served on the boards of the ADL, Allied Jewish Apartments, and as a national board member of HIAS, UJC Young Leadership, and AIPAC. In 2004, she founded Denver’s Civic Center Conservancy and was recognized last year with its inaugural Elaine Asarch Award, named in her honor.

Elaine is an abstract oil painter. She and her husband, Richard, have five children and thirteen grandchildren. She is passionate about her family and has been guided by her Jewish values. She invests in many aspects of Jewish community and hopes her children will pass on the legacy to their children, as her parents and grandparents have done for her.

Mazel Tov, Elaine, on this tremendous honor!