The Irene Butter Fund for Holocaust and Human Rights Education

We are thrilled to announce this NEW fund that will offer educational programming about the Holocaust, with a focus on how its lessons can address present-day challenges of “othering” and disregard for human rights.

What’s the Goal?

To raise a minimum of $50,000 so this fund can be endowed. Your gift matters.

How to Donate

• ONLINE, or

• CHECK: If you prefer to send a check, please make check out to:

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor

Attn: Robert Deschaine

2939 Birch Hollow Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Please write “Irene Butter Fund” in the memo.

Who established this fund?

Generations After, a group of adult children of Holocaust survivors at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, Michigan established this fund as they were inspired by Irene’s kindness, intelligence, passion, and respect for humanity. Irene herself has been a member of this group since 2011 and wrote the foreword to their book, The Ones Who Remember; Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust. 

Where does my money go?

The Irene Butter Fund is housed at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor (under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor). Decisions about educational projects supported by the Fund are made by the Generations After steering committee, independently of the Jewish Federation.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Yes. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible. 

How will my money be used? 

The need for education about the Holocaust, with its echoes in present-day human rights violations, is greater now than ever. The Irene Butter fund will offer educational programming about the Holocaust, with a focus on how its lessons can help us address present-day challenges of “othering” and disregard for human rights. 

We will continue to honor Irene’s work in speaking out against injustice and racism, fighting for human rights, and building bridges between differing cultures. 

Questions about the fund? 

Please email Rita Benn (a founding member of the Irene Butter Fund and a member of the Generations After group)

Double YOur Gift Through a Match 

Philanthropist Patti Askwith Kenner (daughter of University of Michigan alum Bert Askwith, ‘31) has generously agreed to match any gift $92-$1,000. Thank you Patti!