Circle of Care Spotlight
Steven and Michèle Kirsch

Circle of Care members Steve and Michèle Kirsch are passionate philanthropists. They give to help ensure a better world for future generations, and they focus their efforts on finding solutions to problems in the local and global community. In 1999, the couple established the Steven and Michèle Kirsch Foundation to help fulfill their charitable aspirations.

"We like to find an ambitious, measurable goal and figure out how to achieve it," says Steve. One such goal of their foundation is curing major diseases by supporting collaborative research at leading universities.

Steven and Michèle Kirsch

After meeting with Packard Chief of Staff Harvey Cohen, MD, PhD, three years ago, Steve and Michèle became interested in the research of Daniel Bernstein, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology. Bernstein is investigating the molecular cause of children's heart disease in hopes of developing more effective treatments. The couple decided to establish the Steven and Michèle Kirsch Endowed Fund for Cardio-Molecular Biology Research to help advance his work.

"We chose to support Dr. Bernstein because we believe his work will save lives and further research in cardiomolecular biology, an area in which Packard and Stanford are leaders," says Michèle.

Since establishing the Fund, the Kirsches also make a Circle of Care gift each year to the Lucile Packard Children’s Fund, which supports the Hospital's greatest needs.

"As members of the community and as parents of three young children, we feel it is vital to have a children’s hospital to meet the needs of local families, and to provide a level of care available nowhere else," adds Michèle.

Steve currently is founder and chairman of Propel Software and was previously founder of Infoseek Corporation. He received BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. Michèle is a graduate of Mills College and earned a JD from Santa Clara University. She is involved with many community organizations as a Board member, volunteer, community leader, and fundraiser.

Steve and Michèle feel strongly about motivating others to be philanthropic. This fall, the Kirsches graciously hosted more than 130 guests at their home for Packard's annual dinner honoring Circle of Care donors.

"In order to expand and attract more physicians and researchers, Packard needs our help and that of other donors," says Michèle.

"If we can encourage others to support the Children's Hospital through our giving and involvement, then we are happy to do so," adds Steve.