Karen Abramowitz is delighted and honored to be a 2016 Rising Star and to be included in the company of such remarkable professionals who make a difference in Our Town. The award also serves as a humble reminder of the importance of giving back. 

She began her career in journalism, working as an associate producer for WDAF-TV Fox 4 News. In that capacity, Karen supported multiple newscasts in writing stories and coordinating coverage and produced half-hour special programming. In 2007, she joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and has held several communications positions, including internal communications, web portal management and digital marketing. Most recently, she has become senior account manager on the marketing and communications team. Karen is responsible for developing, managing and monitoring daily digital content and social media channels, coordinating paid search engine marketing campaigns and implementing organic search optimization strategies.

Karen has a deep well of experience in terms of volunteering activities and fundraising. She has been a team member for seven years and a captain for four years for ALS Association’s Walk to Defeat ALS. During that time, Karen has contributed to more than $55,000 in team totals. For the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, she has participated as a supporting team member of four annual Man & Woman of the Year campaigns from 2012 through 2015, contributing to more than $80,000 in campaign totals. Currently, Karen is serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the Man & Woman of the Year campaign. For the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she has served as a member of the Wine Opener committee for five years, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As a committee member and dedicated volunteer for Young Variety of Greater Kansas City, Karen has served as vice president since 2014. She has assisted with Young Variety and Variety events, including the Royals 5K and the annual Variety Show. Karen manages volunteers, food and beverages, while fundraising to support Our Town’s kids and creating awareness for Young Variety’s mission. Said Deborah Wiebrecht, executive director of Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City: “Karen helped launch our Young Variety group and assists with social media and marketing. She has so much energy and spirit and is willing to do whatever we need. Karen is a go-getter, a natural leader. People just gravitate to her. Karen is a role model for these special needs kids. Because of her efforts, we have been able raise a lot more funds, and I’m so appreciative of the time she gives to Variety. It’s like putting coins in these children’s buckets of confidence.”

Karen is proud of serving Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City, especially since all the assistance the agency provides is to families in Our Town. “Our mission is so simple – to provide kids with developmental disabilities the adaptive equipment and opportunities needed for activities and inclusion.” Karen finds fulfillment improving the quality of children’s lives, helping them to be active, social and to have a sense of belonging. “The infectious energy of the kids we serve is such a reward. This recognition has renewed and strengthened my commitment to volunteerism and service in the community.”

Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
Also featured in the June 25, 2016 issue of The Independent