- Meet Our Leaders
Nine years ago Scott Kay and his wife were very busy juggling the demands of two toddlers and two careers. Yet they also felt that the time was right to start giving back. Scott says, “We were looking for a meaningful way to share our good fortune, and the mission of JFCS struck a deep chord. JFCS was doing everything that we believe in.” Since then, Scott has shined as an enthusiastic JFCS leader and passionate advocate of the agency’s mission. Professionally, Scott is the Chief Investment Officer and Founder of Asymmetry Capital Management, an asset management corporation. Besides being a member of the JFCS Board of Directors, he has also been part of JFCS’ Special Events Subcommittee for nine years and has chaired the hugely successful Fammy Awards Gala with his wife Debbie.
Scott and Debbie Kay with their children
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I grew up in Rockland County, New York and our town was a bit of a “bubble” for hardworking and educated Jews. We were very involved in our synagogue and I grew up really learning the value of a tight-knit community where everyone pitches in and gives of themselves.
Has JFCS helped you or have you used the services in some way?
Yes! My wife and I actually met most of our best friends’ right after our first child was born through JFCS’ Parents Place Program. We also referred some of our closest friends to JFCS’ Adoption Connection and they are now parenting a beautiful daughter. As a gay couple it was important for them to feel welcomed and supported, and they sing the praises of JFCS’ adoption services.
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with JFCS?
A whole host of emotions come up for me when I think about how JFCS is so interwoven into my life and my family’s lives. I’m extremely proud and honored to be associated with the amazing work it does.
Debbie and I have four children (three to thirteen years old) and we are teaching our kids by example what it means to share with those who haven’t been so blessed. Whether it means we give financially, chair an event, or spend an afternoon as a family shopping and delivering food with the JFCS Food Pantry, every act of giving matters. Because of our involvement in JFCS we see humility and gratitude in our kids, which is so important to instill in young people.
Volunteering at JFCS is a perfect fit for our family. We observe Shabbat and celebrate the holidays; our kids go to Sunday school. But JFCS is about tzedakah and mizvot. As Jews, giving back is important to us, and we like that JFCS helps both Jews and non-Jews.
I’m also very proud of my wife who is one of the founding volunteer members of the Dream Team, a group that makes sure the women and children at Dream House—JFCS’ residential services program for domestic violence victims—have everything they need, whether it’s diapers, vitamins, or birthday cakes.
Anything else you would like to add?
I find my connection to JFCS so personally rewarding because every bit of energy I put toward JFCS I receive back exponentially!