In a year where COVID-19 has created extreme hardship and needs within the Jewish community, locally, and around the world, United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien’s (United Jewish Federation) Super Sunday is more important than ever. Federation CEO Diane Sloyer shared her thoughts about this year’s Super Sunday event, to be held on November 8.
“Super Sunday happens annually in the fall, bringing together volunteers as they gather together to make calls to donors. Super Sunday is one of the Federation’s means of raising money to support the needs of the agencies and institutions as well as for the global Jewish community,” she said.
The need for volunteers is greater than ever this year as shared through Super Sunday advertising: “While we can’t be together in person, we need your strength to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.” Volunteers’ calls will be made remotely from the comfort of their homes, with individuals choosing the times for their shifts. Online training will be provided and there will be an open Zoom line to answer volunteers’ questions.
Jewish Federation of North America has given United Jewish Federation the opportunity to leverage donations and all new or increased gifts made this year will be matched 50 cents on the dollar. “We are confident this will resonate with our donor base and those who can will dig deep to support the increasing human service needs,” said Sloyer. United Jewish Federation has presented a menu of choices to the community and those who wish to do so can direct their gift to projects that resonate with them. Further details regarding donations can be found at www.ujf.org.
Super Sunday will be preceded by Super Week, which will begin on November 2, and culminate with Super Sunday. According to United Jewish Federation board members Robin Fischel and Jonathan Ostroff, event chairs, along with their spouses Jason Fischel and Allsion Ostroff, Super Week will provide opportunities for the community at large to engage and connect with one another as people raise money for the local and global Jewish community.
Events will include daily educational programming, a kid’s tzedakah coin challenge, and incorporating PJ Library and other mitzvah opportunities. A highlight of the week will be a musical program with classical violinist Pavel Ilyashov, who will share his story about being Jewish in Russia.
Because Super Sunday always involves food, a drive-by brunch in a box has been organized for those who place advance orders. There will be a Community L’Chaim and a Saturday Night In!, a cocktail and Trivia Game Night and a mixology class with Fancy Sips. On Super Sunday, an outdoor in-person Family Fun Day will take place, weather permitting, from 10 a.m.-noon. (Social distancing guidelines will be followed.) Jonathan Carr will provide musical entertainment and attendees can stop by the Stamford Nature Center’s animal booth. To close out a fun-filled week, a virtual family fun Zoom game hour with Mainstages will take place at 4 p.m.
United Jewish Federation’s 2020 Annual Campaign runs through December 31 and looks to the local community to make an impact on the lives of the Jewish community locally and around the world. Every gift matters in helping to reach the $1.4 million goal. Details of funding opportunities can be found at www.ujf.givingfuel.com/annual-campaign-2020.
All Super Week events are free of charge thanks to generous sponsors including lead sponsor First Republic Bank, and sponsors Schwartz & Associates; Sun Hill M.T.; Jonathan and Allison Ostroff; Taly and Trevor Farber and Family; Ellen and Richard Weber; Edith Samers in honor of Bernard Samers; Peter and Carol Lilienthal; Krista’s Hair Salon; Caroline Simmons; Hillary and Bob Zitter in honor of Jackie Herman; and Robin and Jason Fischel. In-kind donations were provided by Beldotti Bakery in Stamford, Stop & Shop and BevMax.
Registration for events can be made by going to www.ujf.org/ssvirtual. For additional information, contact Sharon Franklin at [email protected] or 203-321-1373 x109.
