Caring for the elderly…funding scholarships to Jewish day school and summer camps…providing psychiatric and emotional support services…ensuring the future of Israel and other nations worldwide.
These were among the various causes which drew donors to lend their support to this year’s Super Sunday campaign—an event which broke all recent Federation Super Sunday records, raising a total of $122,000. Super Sunday 2017 exceeded its goal by more than $20,000, and additional donations are still trickling in —from messages left on voicemails and from cards sent to donors at their request.
On Sunday, Jan. 22, nearly 100 volunteers from the Tidewater Jewish community came together to raise funds for crucial community services supported by the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
More than 300 individual donors opened their hearts and their wallets— nearly a quarter of those being donors brand new, or returning to support the campaign after years of inactivity.
Each year, the Super Sunday Cabinet, comprised of volunteers from UJFTs Young Adult Division, meet for several months before the big day. During those meetings, cabinet members learn about the organized Jewish community, meet professional and lay community leaders, and take on a variety of tasks to plan and coordinate this community’s largest phone-a-thon of the campaign year.
This year’s theme was “What Draws You?” which inspired those who are active in the Jewish community to share through artwork why they stay involved and why they donate.
From a diverse range of backgrounds— Tidewater natives and recent transplants, students and young professionals—the committee develops a bond that results in a day that builds support for the community for the entire year. Super Sunday was “all hands on deck” for cabinet members, Federation professionals, and dozens of volunteers. Shortly after 9 am, callers whipped out their cellphones and revved up their “fundraising engines.” With no time for nerves, even novice callers took the challenge to call their fellow community members. For some donors, a call on Super Sunday is the single Jewish conversation they have all year. They look forward to it and to being part of the excitement of the day.
Jewish agencies and programs in Tidewater are safe for now, thanks in part to the donors reached on Super Sunday 2017. It’s never too early to start gearing up for next year’s campaign. If interested in serving on Super Sunday Cabinet 2018, call Leah Abrams, Young Leadership director, at 965-6127.
Visit www.fb.com/UJFTidewater/photos for more Super Sunday photos.