All My Children
After spending much of her adult life abroad, Kimberly now divides her time between Chicago, Aspen, Palm Beach, and Miami, becoming an influential figure in each community. Each city offers its own philanthropic landscape, but her guiding principle remains consistent: if she can’t show up in person, she doesn’t take on a board position.
Rolling Up Her Sleeves
Kimberly’s philanthropic approach is focused and intentional, centered around three main causes—the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, the Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Foundation, and the Miami-Dade Impact Collective—into which she channels much of her energy, creativity, and time. “I prefer not to spread myself too thin,” she said. “It’s not about attaching your name to something just for the sake of being involved.” She believes that while financial contributions are important, it is the time and effort invested that can truly create lasting change.
Although she willingly buys tickets to luncheons when friends invite her, her true passion lies in actively participating with the organizations she supports. “You can make a greater impact when you have the time and space to dedicate to specific causes,” she shared. One of her most memorable experiences occurred on a February morning at the Dreyfoos School, where she volunteered to conduct mock scholarship interviews for graduating seniors. One by one, the students performed a three-minute excerpt, whether it was an aria, a trumpet solo, or a slam-poetry set, before answering Kimberly’s questions about ambition and overcoming challenges. “They were so grateful that we were there, giving them our time,” she recalled. Observing that blend of talent and vulnerability, she said, was “a truly rewarding experience.”
Drawn to Culture
The Dreyfoos School of The Arts
In West Palm Beach, Kimberly is dedicated to supporting the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a public high school that nurtures students’ creative talents. “They’re singers, they’re musicians, they write poetry, they’re actors. They all have their own unique gifts,” she explained. “Some of the students face financial hardships and challenging home situations. I’ve met these students, and their passion and talent are truly inspiring.” The school recently acknowledged Kimberly’s dedication to its mission at The Derby of Dreams, where she was honored alongside J. Michael Prince, the president and CEO of the U.S. Polo Association.
Her commitment to arts education is also a response to the ongoing reduction of public funding. Federal and state budgets have steadily reduced support for music, theater, and visual arts programs over the past decade; in rural Colorado, where Kimberly once served on the board of Jazz Aspen, some school districts struggled to afford even basic instruments. “Private donations are more important than ever to fill this gap,” she said.
Building Up Communities
The Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Foundation
For Kimberly, having a safe and well-supported community is a top priority, which is why she is involved with both the Miami-Dade Impact Collective and the Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Foundation. The Miami-Dade Impact Collective is a group of compassionate and dynamic women committed to addressing the needs of underserved populations in the community. “Our mission is to expand and create vital programs and services for those in need in Miami,” Kimberly explained.
The Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting a community that has transformed from a quiet, secluded haven to a bustling global hotspot filled with high-profile residents and events. The foundation not only funds necessary equipment but also helps provide housing subsidies to officers and firefighters, making it more feasible for them to live in the area they protect. According to Kimberly, this work is essential if Palm Beach is to attract “the most qualified individuals” to serve in these critical roles.
Practicing Kindness
A core value in Kimberly’s approach to philanthropy is kindness, which she practices regularly in small gestures like a warm smile. “I smile a lot because I want to put people at ease and bring a sense of warmth to every room,” she said. This focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere is also part of her strategy for making a meaningful impact. A kind smile during a scholarship interview helps calm nervous students. A simple nod at a fire-station fundraiser can make first responders feel recognized, not just sponsored. A thoughtful thank-you text to a fellow donor can transform a transactional interaction into the foundation for future collaboration. In Kimberly’s perspective, philanthropy is about building relationships, not seeking attention.