JUDY KISHNER

Induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, October 2010

Nancy [Atwater, my presenter] and I have known each other for a long time. We have accomplished some good things together. We have also done some pretty silly things together, which she thoughtfully left out.  Thank you, Nancy.

I would like to acknowledge my family who are here tonight:

My husband Tom;

My children, Julie Cohen, Jay Wohlgemuth and his wife Dana, Jude Kishner, and Hillary Kishner;

My brother Stuart and his wife, Gaye Lynn;

And my father, Henry Zarrow.

This honor belongs to the entire Zarrow family for their years of compassion, giving, and hard work. It has been wonderful working with my cousin, Gail, on "Building Tulsa, Building Lives," and I look forward to working with the third and even the fourth generation of the family.

This honor also belongs to those who work for the organizations we support. It is easy enough to write a check, but the administrators, social workers, and volunteers who use that check to make a significant difference in the lives of so many are the real heroes. Our efforts would be meaningless without them.

I think of myself as an average person who was blessed to have two incredible parents—Anne and Henry Zarrow.  When I was young, I took their generosity for granted. There are so many stories of their generosity and care for everyone they met. They involved themselves with agencies that helped the homeless, the sick, the poor, all those left behind in our society.

 

I have been given the opportunity to help others through their generosity, and I consider it a privilege and an honor to continue their legacy.  Thank you Dad.

And thanks to The Tulsa Historical Society for this great honor.