"Carl is a smart, generous guy with a terrific wife who supports him in all their philanthropic activities."
-Stephen Kay
Senior Director, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Carl and Ruth Shapiro
Founding Donors
History
The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation was established in 1961. Carl Shapiro was a successful businessman who founded Kay Windsor, Inc. in 1939. The company, based in New Bedford, MA, manufactured and imported a variety of womens' apparel. When it was acquired by the Vanity Fair corporation in 1971, it was one of the largest women’s clothing companies in the country. Mr. Shapiro remained with Vanity Fair until his retirement in 1976. He then devoted his energies to the worlds of investment and philanthropy. He and his wife, Ruth, remain very active in the Foundation today.
In recent years, their three daughters have become involved in shaping the direction of the Foundation. Much of the current work reflects their philanthropic interests and expands on the tradition established by their parents.