Kushner Team Brings Spirit of Giving to LifeTown

As the holiday season approaches, many companies eagerly search for meaningful ways to give back to their communities. LifeTown offers countless volunteer opportunities, unifying corporate teams as they gain perspective and gratitude through a unique, shared experience.

On Tuesday, November 11, 60 employees from Kushner Companies filled LifeTown to volunteer with children from four New Jersey schools.

“It was always important to my parents to instill a commitment to charity and community service in us as kids,” said Kushner President Nicole Kushner Meyer. “It was part of the fabric of our childhood and therefore, we strive to instill these values in our company.”

Michael Sommer, Chief Development Officer of Kushner, added, “We’re always looking for ways to give back to the community and LifeTown is an easy choice. There is no better resource for the community. It’s easy to send donations, but being here and giving our time is a more meaningful way to support Friendship Circle. Plus, it’s a really feel-good day for the office.”

Kushner employees volunteered at the Shoppes, guiding children from schools across New Jersey through an immersive, hands-on LifeTown experience. The Shoppes bustled with activity as children made T-shirts, got their nails painted, created art projects, and topped off their day of shopping with sweet scoops of ice cream.

“Having the Kushner team here today is deeply meaningful to all of us at LifeTown,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle and LifeTown. “Their dedication to community and their partnership in our work enrich the experience for the tens of thousands who come through our doors each year.”

In one touching moment, a Kushner volunteer helped a student carefully choose nail polish colors while chatting about her favorite music and school. When finished, the child held out her hands proudly and said, “I feel so fancy!” It is these moments of joy and connection that define LifeTown’s mission, as 14,000 students are scheduled to visit the Shoppes this year and over 40,000 visitors take part in LifeTown programs and events.

“Volunteering at LifeTown Friendship Circle is a truly uplifting experience that fills your heart with joy and purpose,” said Laurent Morali, CEO of Kushner. “The warmth and gratitude of the individuals you meet there is contagious, and every moment spent serving alongside dedicated staff and fellow volunteers is a reminder of the power of community and connection.”

Dara Orbach, Special Events Coordinator at LifeTown, attended as well and said, “The team at Kushner has been instrumental in bringing LifeTown to life, and their support continues to shape the incredible work happening here. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our programs, and what makes LifeTown so special is that everyone benefits. The connections formed here help build a more inclusive and compassionate community for all.”

Michael Lehmann, Vice President of Acquisitions for Kushner, ran the photo booth. He said, “The kids are having fun. They come in, pay a dollar, and take a photo with funny glasses. You walk in and you see the kids smiling. Being here really makes their day. LifeTown is an incredible, special place.”

Employees not only spread joy at the Shoppes. They also stepped into the holiday spirit by wrapping toys and assembling gorgeous spa gift bags for a Mom’s Spa Day event. The snip of scissors and the tearing of tape filled the air as volunteers sorted through gifts.

For Kimberly Gates, Vice President of Residential Accounting for Kushner, the experience was even more meaningful.

“Being a new parent and coming into this, it can be very emotional and it’s great to see the community coming together and everything they are providing for these children,” said Gates, whose son, Julian, is on the autism spectrum. “It feels great to give back to the organization. The fact that our whole company is here and everybody is participating is wonderful and hopefully we can do it again in the future.”

“Everyone at LifeTown gives with heart and a smile,” said Seryl Kushner. “They know how to make everyone feel amazing.”

After a day of shopping and prepping holiday gifts, all the children and corporate volunteers walked out of LifeTown feeling energized and ready to enjoy the holiday season with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.

“This is what LifeTown is all about,” added Rabbi Grossbaum. “Bringing people together in an environment that celebrates inclusion, opportunity and belonging.”