Dozens of community members gathered on Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Sandler Family Campus for the Federation’s annual Super Sunday Community Phone-a-Thon. Despite a strange weather pattern, which forced the event indoors, the energy and enthusiasm was high throughout the day, making this year’s gathering another resounding success.
Super Sunday embodies the strength of Jewish Tidewater. With many “regular” volunteer callers (and several new ones) taking their spots at the tables with phones in hand, the room was a wonderful illustration of multiple generations – all making calls to help build and strengthen Jewish community at home and abroad. The Nadiv men’s division of the Annual Campaign turned out in large numbers, inspiring all around them with their energy and commitment to the future of the Tidewater Jewish community.
During Super Sunday, volunteers reached more than 200 fellow community members, raising nearly $160,000 for the Campaign. Call backs with additional pledges continue to trickle in from voicemails left and text messages sent during Super Sunday.
This year’s Super Sunday also provided an opportunity for callers to let the community know that last year’s Israel Emergency Campaign has been “folded into” this year’s annual campaign. But for those wishing to make a separate Israel Emergency gift, UJFT is happy to take it and turn it around immediately to assist with needs on the ground in Israel. UJFT’s Campaign Team remains vigilant. And should the need arise, or if asked by national leaders to once again run an Israel Campaign alongside the Annual Campaign, there will be no hesitation.
Many of the Federation’s Super Sunday donors have been giving to the Campaign for years and years – some more than 50 years (Golden Givers, as they are called). This year, those donors (and others) were asked if they might be interested in learning about endowment opportunities available from Tidewater Jewish Foundation. It’s an amazing way to show support for a beloved community, in perpetuity.
Special shout-outs to some Super Sunday regulars: Alene Kaufman, Jewish Innovation Committee chair, KBH first vice president, and a long time community leader, exemplifying dedication and service as the annual tally-keeper throughout the day; the Rubin family, spanning three generations, made calls while sharing their legacy tzedakah and involvement in Jewish communal life; community leaders such as Kelly Burroughs, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Tidewater; Amy Weinstein, chair of Strelitz International Academy’s board; David Leon, UJFT president; and Betty Ann Levin, UJFT executive vice President/CEO. These individuals and their organizations reflect the connectedness of Tidewater’s Jewish community, with a collective commitment to supporting local and global Jewish causes through the Annual Campaign.
Finally, to everyone who answered the call, text, or voicemail and supported the annual campaign, thank you. Todah Rabah. Pledges support local Jewish agencies and programs, as well as address the most pressing needs of Jewish communities in Israel, Eastern Europe, and the Former Soviet Union (including the Jews of war-torn Ukraine), Latin America, India, and anywhere in the world that Jews find themselves vulnerable or at-risk.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making Super Sunday a day of connection and purpose,” says Amy Zelenka, UJFT chief development officer. “As the Jewish New Year approaches, we are grateful for a supportive community which continues to engage with and support one another. Together we can repair the world.”
Elana McGovern is UJFT’s YAD director.
