A Letter to Our Community

As the Jewish Community Federation’s Annual Campaign moves into its final days, I am awed by our community’s ability to band together, even in these tough economic times. For 100 years, it has been our commitment to the collective good – our understanding that if one of us goes hungry, we all go hungry – that has sustained us as a people, and underpinned our many successes.

In 2009, we distributed nearly $23 million to the heroic – and yes, overburdened – agencies that help to sustain and nurture our growing Jewish community. We fed hungry Jews in the Former Soviet Union, provided rides to homebound seniors, and gave desperately-needed day school scholarships to families who could no longer afford the cost of a Jewish education. I am deeply proud of our work at Federation, and I am buoyed by the stories of those we’ve helped.

But I am also concerned. I am concerned because I know just how much our community stands to lose. I know that if this year’s Annual Campaign falls short, Jewish life here, in Israel, and around the world, will suffer. Fewer of our children will know the joy of a Jewish education; fewer seniors will get to critical doctor’s visits; fewer college students will enjoy a Shabbat meal at Hillel, and fewer jobseekers will be given the tools to find steady employment. These are difficult times for us all, and doubtless, each one of us has been affected by the downturn in the economy. But no matter the challenges we face, there is always someone in greater need.

That’s why I’m asking you to dig deep – to give as much as you are able – so that core social services can remain intact. Federation provides a safety net for so many who have nowhere else to turn. Please join me in keeping that safety net strong, and ensuring that in 2010, no member of our Jewish community gets left behind.

Give to the Annual Campaign today. There is simply too much at stake.

Jennifer Gorovitz, CEO

P.S. Because of the Goldman Family’s dollar for dollar matching grant, you can double your gift’s impact!

• Current donors under the age of 50 who increase their gift from the previous year will get a dollar for dollar match on the increased portion.
• New donors under the age of 50 who make their first pledge to the JCF Annual Campaign will have their gifts doubled.