Sunday, September 14
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater will host its first all-virtual Super Sunday on Sunday, Sept. 14. In a multi-pronged approach to fundraising, volunteers will mail, text, email, and yes, call members of the Tidewater Jewish community to talk about Campaign and the impacts of the efforts for those at home and for the Jewish People around the world.
Where Campaign dollars go
It’s important to recognize the impact of combined Campaign dollars around the community. The funds raised on Super Sunday, and throughout the Campaign, impact the programs and services the community relies on at Jewish Family Service; that ensure top-quality programs the Simon Family JCC brings to the entire Hampton Roads community – through speakers, books, films, and other art media; and that ensure access to a full spectrum of Jewish education – from early childhood to tween and teen youth groups, to Hillels, to adult education and Jewish book clubs.
The combined Campaign dollars help ensure that Jewish Tidewater is prepared for potential threats against it and that it can act swiftly in the face of antisemitism. Campaign dollars ensure that Jewish Tidewater’s voices and concerns are heard at the highest levels of state and federal government.
Overseas, the Campaign supports the most vulnerable Jews around the world – including those who’ve endured more than three years of a brutal war in Ukraine and Israelis who’ve experienced nearly two years of ongoing trauma following the horrific events of October 7th.
Super Sunday allows each community member to touch many lives.
What’s new about Super Sunday this year
Traditionally, Super Sunday volunteer callers have gathered on the Sandler Family Campus equipped with cell phones and chargers to make calls. This year, when volunteers sign up, they’ll receive a calling sheet with the names of donor prospects, their contact information, and suggested “ask amount.” Then, volunteers can decide how best to make contact. Several campaign leaders will be recording video messages that can be shared via text. A link in the text will allow donors to pledge or donate, right from their phones.
In the days leading up to Super Sunday, some donors may receive a phone call or other communication from their assigned solicitor (looking to get a jump on Super Sunday… or soliciting in advance, because they won’t be available on Super Sunday). Other donors may get a pledge card and return envelope in the mail, encouraging them to give right away, so that their gifts can be counted in the Super Sunday total… and ultimately the Super Sunday impact.
Excited about stepping into these newer technologies, Campaign staff and volunteers anticipate excellent results and look forward to reaching the community and beyond to maximize Tidewater’s impact here at home and around the Jewish world. More information at JewishVA.org/SuperSunday
Amy Zelenka is chief development officer for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. She may be reached at azelenka@ujft.org.