OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 7, 2023) — Kirkpatrick Foundation, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, and the Christian Keesee Charitable Trust will donate a combined $150,000 to provide relief to civilians impacted by the violence and attacks in Israel and Gaza. The gifts will be evenly divided between the American Friends of Magen David Adom, Doctors Without Borders and Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
“The funds donated by the Kirkpatrick Philanthropies will provide desperately needed medical aid and relief to Israeli and Palestinian civilians,” said Christian Keesee, chairman of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, and president of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and the Christian Keesee Charitable Trust. “Sadly, the horrifying attacks in Israel and Gaza have left many thousands dead and thousands more injured and traumatized for life. The need for a global response is urgent, and we feel compelled to do our part from Oklahoma City.”
Elizabeth Eickman, direthe Kirkpatrickkpatrick Family Fund, said the funds demonstrate the philanthropies’ compassion and care for all civilians affected by the war.
“These dollars will help provide desperately needed aid and perhaps guide others who are looking for a way to contribute,” said Eickman.
Keesee noted the importance of acting during times of tragedy.
“Sometimes, the devastation of war can seem distant and abstract,” said Keesee. “To the people living through the horrors—most of whom play no role in the conflict—we want them to know the world cares. We urge our friends and partners to contribute to these organizations, which have been recommended by trusted sources and vetted by our staff.”
The three nonprofits receiving funds serve a variety of needs:
- American Friends of Magen David Adom, Israel’s official representative to the International Red Cross, provides disaster relief, including ambulance services.
- Doctors Without Borders cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and natural and human-made disasters in more than 70 countries.
- Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is the primary humanitarian organization in Palestine, delivering crucial and life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid where it is needed most.
Kirkpatrick Foundation
The mission of Kirkpatrick Foundation is to support the arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in Central Oklahoma. To learn more, visit kirkpatrickfoundation.com.
Kirkpatrick Family Fund
Kirkpatrick Family Fund is an Oklahoma City philanthropy started in 1989 by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick and is the largest affiliated fund in the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The mission of Kirkpatrick Family Fund is to invest in ideas, leadership, and programs that contribute to and advance the cultural, intellectual, and societal interests of our community. Kirkpatrick Family Fund is guided by the values of Integrity, Leadership, and Innovation; it accomplishes its mission by supporting organizations with bold, capable leadership and programs that are effective in addressing community needs.
Christian Keesee Charitable Trust
Christian Keesee Charitable Trust supports organizations and efforts of specific interest to Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin. The geographic focus areas are Oklahoma City, the Pike’s Peak Region of Colorado, and Manhattan, New York. Our intention is to support and help create moments of artistic beauty, especially in the realms of music, dance, opera, and architectural integrity.
