For Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Mother’s Day is About Giving Back

Kelly Killoren Bensimon For Douglas Elliman agent Kelly Killoren Bensimon , Mother’s Day is less about breakfast in bed than it is about serving others, though she does love her daughter Sea’s pancakes. As a single, working mother of two, Kelly takes Mother’s Day as an opportunity to volunteer with her daughters at The Food Bank for New York City to remind them that “no matter what you have, you always give back.” This Mother’s Day, Elliman Insider caught up with Kelly to find out why eradicating hunger is so important to her, what she hopes to instill in her children through charity work and the advice she would give all the working moms out there. Elliman Insider: Along with your daughters you have taken up the cause of eradicating hunger. Why is this particular cause so important to you? Kelly Killoren Bensimon: As a health and wellness advocate, it’s been a very important initiative for me and my girls. I believe in order to help our society be better – we have to take care of our community first. My girls and I are humbled by the families who are nourished at Foodbank4nyc . Food insecurity is such a huge issue in America and the inaccessibility of healthy food piggybacks on that. Foodbank4nyc works tirelessly to provide healthy food for our NewYorkers. EI: Why do you feel it’s important to have your daughters along with you on this journey? What lessons are you trying to instill in them? KKB: No matter what you have, always give back. EI: You’ve done  work with the Food Bank for NYC for several years. What have you learned in that time? KKB: Working with Foodbank4nyc has been both a blessing and an eye opening experience. Whether it’s working with seniors, working with chef Sheri, working in the pantry, or lending a helping hand during holidays, the girls and I always leave Foodbank4nyc with a smile on our face and a happy feeling in our hearts. When you are able to hear the stories and understand the hardship; we are so happy we can help- and always eager to do more. That’s what keeps us coming back every time. EI: Why is philanthropy so important to you? Has there been anyone who has inspired you in this area? KKB: My mother was a huge advocate of helping others. She instilled that value in my family and I brought it to my girls. I am an empath -and I feel people’s pain. I just want to eradicate it. EI : As a single, working mother, how do you manage your time and get it all done? KKB: I make lists that are realistic, I’m blessed with a supportive group of friends, and I recognize and am grateful for the privilege that I have to be self-employed. I make my own hours. As my girls were growing up, I was able to spend quality time with them, for which I’m tremendously grateful. When I am at Foodbank4nyc I’m humbled by the single parents who work really hard to give their children the best life they can. EI: You’ve also become an incredibly successful real estate agent in a short time. What has been your secret? KKB: I have a very specific work ethic. No job is too small. I make sure all of my clients know that their property is the most important asset. And, I do what I say I will do. I show up. I’m trustworthy. And, I align myself with the best in the field, that’s why I am with The Holly Parker Team at Douglas Elliman . It’s imperative to have strategic partners in order to be successful. I always tell my kids how excited I am to go to work everyday. I’m grateful for where I am in my life.     EI: What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? SA: I love when Sea makes me pancakes. And Teddy always writes me a thoughtful note. The most important thing for me is to spend time with my kids. It doesn’t matter what we are doing as long as we are together. EI: Any advice for the single, working moms out there? KKB: I think the best advice for single working moms is to recognize you aren’t alone in this. Learning to ask for help when you need it is a big lesson. And, it’s important for us all to remember what we are doing. We are raising the next generation of game changers. It’s a very important task and it’s one I take seriously.   Contact Kelly for all your real estate needs today.