Super Sunday Steering Committee: Benyamin Yaffe, Jade Rouzeau, Brandon and Callah Turkeltaub, Sean Mulligan, Morgan Bober, Joash Schulman, Eliot Weinstein, Jeremy Krupnick, David Calliott, Joshua Mallenbaum, Meryl Mulligan, Samantha Golden and Eric Miller.
The question of whether the Tidewater Jewish Community’s traditional phone-a-thon could still work in 2015 was answered with a loud, “yes,” on Sunday, Jan. 25.
The Super Sunday phone-a-thon was a success, with contributions to date exceeding $103,000.
Planned and organized by a steering committee comprised of young leaders in the Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the event raises funds for the UJFT Annual Campaign.
“I was incredibly impressed not only by the overwhelming turnout of the volunteers, but also with the passion of the young leaders as they organized the event and managed the day. I feel, as UJFT president, that our community’s future is in strong capable hands,” says Miles Leon, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater president.
“It’s incredible to see this community come together to support the Federation,” says Eliot Weinstein, co-chair of the steering committee.
“It shows a sense of commitment to the Jewish idea that we need to take care of each other, and to actively take part in making sure our community is still here for future generations.”
More than 100 volunteers came to the Sandler Family Campus to participate.
All area denominations and organizations had at least one representative making phone calls to community members, asking for pledges and sharing stories. Volunteers were also calling existing donors to thank them for continuing to support the UJFT.
“It was wonderful to see the full breadth of our community come together for the common purpose of making sure that no Jewish person feels alone when confronting life’s challenges but rather, feels empowered and encouraged by the knowledge that they are supported and cared for by their people,” says Cindy Kramer.
Jeremy Krupnick, co-chair with Weinstein, gave the final Super Sunday update just before 1 pm, in front of volunteers still on the phone. Along with the total amount, Krupnick noted that more than 300 people donated, and that more than 40 of them were new donors.
“You all have helped us reach our goal—what you’ve done here today is phenomenal,” said Krupnick. “We thank you, and the community thanks you.”
Weinstein and Krupnick, along with their committee members, created a theme for this year’s event that asked the community to share their Jewish stories on the UJFT Facebook page. The response has been so positive, that the Share Your Story theme will continue. Stories will be added regularly to the Facebook.com/UJFTidewater, as well as on JewishVA.org.
“We are one people, but we are all distinct individuals, and it’s important that we stay connected and know a little about each other,” says Weinstein. “It helps to show why giving to the Federation, and making sure this community survives, is vital.”
Gifts pledged on Super Sunday are destined for local, national, international and Israeli organizations that strengthen communities and care for those in need. Contributions are still being accepted. Find out more at JewishVA.org/SuperSunday. Like the UJFT’s Facebook page to see unique stories from this community, and post your own.