It was a demonstration of strength and solidarity as teams of volunteers representing the Jewish Educational Center converged at two calling centers for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest’s annual BIGGIVE fundraiser (formerly known as Super Sunday).
“We always look forward to and appreciate the strong turnout that JEC encourages for the BIGGIVE,” said Stanley Stone, executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest, NJ. “The JEC has been a model in its recruitment efforts by always being one of the first to get the word out about the BIGGIVE.
Indeed, members of the JEC are also among the first to turn out for the community telethon and this year was no exception. Headed by JEC Executive Director Steve Karp, his team travelled to Scotch Plains to participate in the drive and occupied an impressive row of seats during the morning’s earliest shift. “Steve likes to get there early,” said the JEC’s Chief Marketing Officer Adina Abramov, “because he knows that the later shifts are generally more popular and we want to be sure that our energies are maximized and most impactful.”
The school’s efforts did not go unnoticed and even Federation CEO Dov Ben-Shimon weighed in. “I’m grateful for the active participation of JEC members in the BIGGIVE,” he said. “The JEC is a critical part of our community and we’re proud of its achievements and leadership role. The BIGGIVE with JEC is a great statement to our values and future.”
The feeling is mutual. “We look forward to this event every year,” said Steve Karp. “It’s a great time to mingle and reconnect with peers and community members spanning our entire catchment area. As a partner and beneficiary agency of Federation, we appreciate the opportunity to give back and help play a role in the Federation’s continued strength and success.”
JEC parent and board member Brian Ness of Hillside, NJ led the school’s charge at the Federation’s second calling site in West Orange.
“It is always great to see the power of the Jewish people working together to support local causes and share an everlasting love for the Land of Israel,” he said.
Besides leading his team, Ness also brought along his children Gavriel, Pearlie and Leebie for a lesson in chinuch and tzedakah. “In addition to volunteer efforts with our local organizations,” he shared, “it is important for Arielle and me to show our children the importance of having an impact throughout the Jewish community. There are many organizations that benefit Jewish causes. Partnering with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest allows us to benefit from their broad network.”
Although the JEC is the newest addition to Greater MetroWest’s Day School Initiative, the school has a decades-old history of actively partnering with Jewish Federation, beginning with the Central Jewish Federation, prior to the merger with MetroWest in 2012.
“The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest is proud of our partnership with the Jewish Educational Center,” exclaimed Jessica Mehlman, chief planning officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, who is one of several key professionals there with roots in Central. “Through mutual support and respect we care for those in need, build community and save the lives of individuals around the world. At the BIGGIVE, we know we can count on the JEC membership to come out and help raise the precious dollars we need to support our community. Thank you!”
