Finding Purpose Through Philanthropy

One of our new regular features at Challah Back is Meet the Board, where you get to “meet” this year’s YAD Board. Find out why so many people get involved in YAD and what inspires them!

While I have been in the Bay Area for 12 years, I only recently became involved with YAD. After moving here, I became active in philanthropy work and in supporting the arts. I decided to change my focus as to how I was spending my time and where I giving back after my grandmother’s passing. It was at that time that I felt a strong need to get involved in the Jewish community and more importantly to stay connected to her in a meaningful way. The question for me though was, "How?” That was when I saw the information posted for Club Fed, which looked like the right place for me to get my feet wet.

And my instinct was right. Not having a lot of relationships in the Jewish community, Club Fed seemed like the right setting for me because it was more intimate. Walking into the first session was overwhelming, but within minutes I felt comfortable. In Club Fed, I learned so much about the Federation, giving me a new sense of appreciation and enthusiasm to get more involved. I also met some pretty cool people and thus began my new found interest in the Federation. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I didn’t know about this amazing community until so recently!

This year I am proud to be serving on the Executive Committee as Co-Vice President of Community Building. Our events -- including Blue Mondays, Latke Ball, Shabbat dinners and Summer Sizzle -- are often the first face of YAD. With that in mind, it is critical that we put on successful, welcoming events that reach out to all types of people in our community. Being that gateway to someone’s first experience to YAD makes our role even more important as our impact is not only immediate, but also long term. If someone has a great experience with us, then they will be back, possibly bring a friend and continue supporting the Federation for many years to come.

It has been a tremendous year and we are only halfway there! Our Blue Mondays reign in an average of 200 attendees and have raised more than $4,000 thus far. Latke Ball beat all records this year with more than 1,000 guests and a 23.5 percent increase in net revenue. We also had an overwhelming response to our Shabbat dinners the last couple months. In addition to raising all kinds of cash for the community and making an impact, our events are the place to be and be seen! I couldn’t be prouder and more appreciative of the Community Building Team. A special thank you to all of you as well as to Jordan and Lory. My heart is full of happiness and contentment knowing that I have made a difference in the Jewish community in my own way. Mostly, I feel I've been able fulfill a commitment to my grandmother by expanding who I am and discovering the importance of my heritage. Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the board and for the lifelong friendships I have made.

Here’s to more amazing events and even more giving in 2009! Andrea Skor Co-Vice President for Community Building Young Adults Division Board More…

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You can also reach us by phone at 415.512.6280 or email yad@sfjcf.org.