Panelists: Dr. Robyn Jacobs ‘80, Dan Cohen ‘99, Rabbi Sarit Horwitz ‘04, and Jacob Katz ’16, and moderator, Jill Zeldin Miller ‘97 sharing fond memories from their days at HBHA and the effect they had on their lives now. Photo by Dani Glickman
Panelists: Dr. Robyn Jacobs ‘80, Dan Cohen ‘99, Rabbi Sarit Horwitz ‘04, and Jacob Katz ’16, and moderator, Jill Zeldin Miller ‘97 sharing fond memories from their days at HBHA and the effect they had on their lives now. Photo by Dani Glickman
Dani Glickman
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The new night of mensches

Byline photo of Dani Glickman
Dani Glickman, Social Media Editor
March 4, 2026

The Night of Mensches is HBHA’s most impactful annual fundraising event. This event is a bridge between honoring donors, valuing current families and staff, as well as appreciating the alumni and the sacrifice the whole Kansas City Jewish community has made to raise these students. 

 

Cristina Cowan, the Senior Philanthropy Associate at HBHA, discussed the process of organizing this monumental event.

 

In her role, Cowan oversees all of HBHA’s non-tuition income and additionally spearheads the programming of this annual fundraising event. 

Cristina Cowan, Senior Philanthropy Associate, oversees all HBHA non-tuition income and is the leading organizer of HBHA’s annual fundraising event. Image provided by HBHA

Cowan explained that to successfully organize the event, she has to be conscious of what the experience is for both parties involved: the attendees and the participants. This task is not just important for the enjoyment of all participating, but it truly shapes how the night will turn out logistically and in the overall mission of the school. 

 

Since the Kansas City Jewish community is so small, there is a lot of overlap between speakers and attendees. So, when asked how Cowan would categorize this “attendee” entity, she answered by telling about this evolving demographic. 

 

Cowan said, “In the past … I would say …  the event has been a little bit more external in terms of attendees.” Although due to shifts made in the mission and tone of the event, “This year and even last year, we have made it a bit more internal.” 

 

The group of attendees reflects the formality and classiness of the event. So, HBHA has developed its programming to communicate a bit more of an authentic and personable event. Currently, there is more of an emphasis on current families, faculty, and alumni. In addition to setting a fiscal goal, this event recognizes all who make the school possible, including faculty and donors.

As a perfect encapsulation of this recognized pride, there was a panel featuring five HBHA alumni: Dr. Robyn Jacobs ‘80, Jill Zeldin Miller ‘97, Dan Cohen ‘99, Rabbi Sarit Horwitz ‘04, and Jacob Katz ’16. The panel brought nothing less than absolute nachess (pride) to this collection of faculty, donors, alumni, and students, all who make up the HBHA family.

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About the Contributor
Dani Glickman
Dani Glickman, Social Media Editor
Dani Glickman is a sophomore at HBHA, and this is her second year writing for Rampage Wired. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends. Her favorite articles to write for include opinion pieces and controversial topics. This year Glickman is looking forward to designing graphics and captions as the new co-editor of the social media section for Rampage.