By Hally Jackson, JTNews Correspondent
Karen Gamoran, Herzl-Ner Tamid and Temple De Hirsch member, blushes when her peers call her a philanthropist and a humanitarian.
“I just call myself a volunteer,” says Gamoran. “I’ve always had a strong Jewish identity and felt compelled to help Jewish causes and people. Everyone has something to give. I am just doing my part.”
Gamoran, a mother of four, has been involved in extracurricular philanthropy since her early twenties. She began volunteering with the Jewish Federation and ended up heading the women’s division campaign, because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of other women.
When she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, she chaired the Jewish Education Council to enhance the quality and quantity of Jewish education. She also became more involved in educational programs at her temple and with Jewish camping.
Gamoran completed the Wexner Fellowship course and at age 28 joined the National Young Leadership Cabinet. At that point, she decided to focus her energies on women, education, and Jewish issues.
Gamoran’s biggest inspiration is Michelle Rosen, past president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, who encouraged her to focus her efforts in Seattle. “Michelle told me that if you are going to volunteer and inspire others, you should do it here in your community first,” says Gamoran. “I began with the Hillel Foundation at the University of Washington because Hillel is dedicated to lives of young people. Anyone that shares an interest in learning about Judaism is welcome.”
“Karen has always has had such a sophistication and passion for Jewish life and philanthropy,” Rosen says. “She has a knack for shaking things up and really connecting with the community.”
Karen Gamoran and her husband Saul initiated the expansion and renovation process of UW Hillel Foundation. The Gamorans, along with a large group of avid fundraisers, saw the opportunity for a world-class facility able to serve both students and the Jewish community looking for a comfortable place of worship or to simply hang out. The new 20,000 square foot Karen and Saul Gamoran Center for Jewish Life that breaks ground this January will serve more than 1500 individuals.
A few years ago, Gamoran became friendly with tennis player Andre Agassi’s sister Tami. Tami lived alone in Seattle when she discovered that both she and her mother had breast cancer. Gamoran took Tami to her chemotherapy treatments and stood by her every step of the way. Tami is doing fine now, but Gamoran felt she still wanted to do more.
She began working on a community fundraiser that included Agassi and Pete Sampras playing tennis with local business leaders and tennis amateurs Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos in October 2001. The event raised more than $1.4 million for the UW Medical Center. Because of those funds, the center was able to develop the first breast cancer vaccine, now in its third stage of testing — a medical breakthrough.
“After the tennis challenge I received numerous calls from breast cancer survivors and friends,” Gamoran replied. “I knew that breast cancer was an important cause and I wanted the premise of this event to continue!”
This year, Gamoran co-chaired the University of Washington Breast Cancer Basketball Challenge featuring the Seattle Sonics, Magic Johnson, and Hollywood celebrities like Will Ferrell of “Saturday Night Live,” Frankie Muniz of “Malcolm in the Middle,” and Matt Lillard, who played Shaggy in the movie Scooby Doo.
The Basketball Challenge was held in honor of Edna Campbell, former WNBA Seattle Storm player and current Sacramento Monarchs Guard, who is currently winning the fight against breast cancer. On October 13th, the Sonics and their special guests wore pink uniforms and hooped it up for the cause at the KeyArena. The event raised more than a million dollars.
“Everyone has something to offer and the time to reinvest in his or her community,” says Gamoran. “The biggest thing I can do is to pass on the values of tzedakah and mitzvot to my children.”