George Kaufman has been part of the lifeblood of Omega for more than 30 years, and his energy and impact are still felt daily. During his tenure at Omega, George served as general counsel, board chair, and chief fundraiser.
He spearheaded the construction of the Sanctuary by leading Omega’s first significant fundraising effort. But perhaps his most memorable role at Omega has been as a loving father figure to staff and participants alike.
In October 2017, we honored George for his contributions to Omega and celebrated his book, Accidental Spirituality, with a tribute event and reading held in the Sanctuary.
Friends and staff gathered to share stories of George’s wisdom, honesty, and mentorship, and we announced the George Kaufman Scholarship, marking the beginning of Omega’s endowment fund.
Omega is grateful for George’s leadership and the generosity and forward thinking of his many friends, whose contributions honor George while making a life-changing difference in somebody else’s story—something that accurately reflects the grace, generosity, and compassionate presence embodied by a beloved friend and ally.
Omega cofounder Elizabeth Lesser described George in her foreword to his book as “love in action.”
This scholarship will reflect that sentiment and enable a greater number of participants to find insight and inspiration at Omega, enriching the community as a whole.
Learn more about endowments at Omega here, or contact development@eomega.org.
We extend our gratitude to those who donated in honor of George Kaufman:
Mark & Judi Aronchick
Jacalyn E. S. Bennett
Marcia S. Bernstein
Brett Cobb
Michael Cornman & Pat Mulvey
Matthew & Kate Cruz
Rosalind Dickinson
Frederick & Greta Smiley Charitable Foundation / Hank & Phyllis Beinstein
Patty Goodwin
Charles Houghton
Bob & Marlene Josefsberg
Elaine & Hank Koelmel
Sheryl R. Lamb
Meyers Foundation / Philip M. Meyers, M.D. and Susan M. Falk
David M. Plath
Ellen Reinstatler
Gail Straub
Sara Trapani / Whole Sky Yoga
Steven A. Weiss