This year Humanitarian Award  with Heart Honoree goes to the very elegant

 Jean Shafiroff.

Ms. Shafiroff is a philanthropist and activist. She is considered to be at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. Jean's philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions and includes the gifts of extensive time and knowledge. Through her work she encourages and seeks to empower all individuals to become philanthropists so that they can build the fulfillment of giving into their lives.

A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean's philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women's rights and well being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes. Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women's Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Honorary Board and Southampton Bath & tennis Club's Charitable Foundation. Jean has been widely recognized and featured in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, Gotham Magazine, the New York times, New York Social Diary, Avenue, Hamptons Magazine and the Huffington Post among others.

Jean works closely with the multiple causes she supports. Each years she chairs numerous galas and hosts events benefiting numerous not-for-profit organizations. She is particularly well known for her leadership in raising money for many charities including the Southampton Hospital, New York City Mission Society, New York Women's Foundation and Southampton Animal Shelter. Jean has been honored by several organizations including the New York City Mission Society, Youth Counseling League, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, Surgeons of Hope, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle and Animal Zone International.

Ms. Shafiroff holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has worked both in public finance and private partnership on Wall Street. Prior to that she was a physical therapist at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City. Jean is married to Martin Shafiroff an investment advisor and together they have two daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth who share their mother's interest in charitable efforts.

In March 2016, Shafiroff authored her first book "Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give." The book is about Shafiroff's experiences as a philanthropist and how to get involved in charity work. It contains an introduction by Georgina Bloomberg

During my interview I asked "Jean what does this award mean to you, you must be so thrilled."

Jean: Well first I want to speak about the American Heart Association and as you know heart problems are the number one killer in the United States and stroke is the fourth killer. I am so honored to be part of this event and to be honored really means to give service. I am delighted to give a little service to the American Heart Association.

Cognac: I also understand that you recently wrote a wonderful book and it's on the Best Seller List. Many people have bought the book in Manhattan and the Hamptons and people are talking about it all around the world. What inspired you to write this book, "Successful Philanthropy?"

Jean: Yes, I wrote the book "Successful Philanthropy How to Make a Life By What You Give"....and I wrote it to encourage people to get involved in the giving process. Now many, many millions of people are but there are others who have so much to offer and I would like to encourage people to give and to believe what they can give in terms of time, knowledge and resources is very valuable and they can truly make a difference.

Both Jean and her family reside in Manhattan and Southampton.

Congratulations Jean Shafiroff as this year's Humanitarian With Heart Honoree.

For more information please visit www.heart.org

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