Double your impact on ‘Giving Tuesday’

Posted

Alan Hassenfeld has a challenge for the Rhode Island Jewish community … raise $18,000 in one day.

Tuesday, Nov. 27, typically known as “Giving Tuesday,” will be called “Giving Chai Day” at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. On that day, Hassenfeld has agreed to double any increased donation or new donation, dollar for dollar, up to $18,000. Thus far in the Alliance’s Annual Campaign, more than $1.25 million from about 900 donors has been raised.

Hassenfeld’s challenge should further inspire donors as efforts are made to close the “100 Days of Giving” in December.

During the campaign event on Oct. 28, Classical High School Senior Sadie Gaffin shared the impact the Alliance has had on her life. “I am thrilled to be here tonight and to talk about the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island’s role in my Jewish upbringing,” she said. “I began attending the Alliance’s Infant Toddler Care when I was 2 years old, and I have been a member here ever since. Between that time and now, I have accomplished a lot. I was a camper at Camp JORI, I went to Israel three times, I became a lifeguard, I became a swim teacher, I became the president of the Providence chapter of USY, and now I am getting ready to graduate and applying to college. Everything that I have listed is all thanks to my Jewish identity, which was nurtured here at the Alliance.”

Sadie ended her speech with a heartfelt thank you to the donors “I want to thank every donor here tonight. It is because of your generous support that I have been fortunate enough to have these experiences. With your backing, my life has been changed for the better. The Alliance and its donors have truly molded my Jewish identity, and I am so grateful to carry it with me wherever I go and end up, so stay tuned for the next chapter.”

Sadie’s sentiments demonstrate why giving to the Annual Campaign is so important. Each donation has the ability to impact the greater Jewish community including:

• Providing a safety net for those in need with access to services that can offer self-sufficiency, greater financial security, food assistance, independent living and Jewish enrichment.

•Providing tuition scholarships to the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center.

• Creating leadership, social and networking opportunities for young adults through (401)j.

• Offering senior adults a Kosher meal and companionship through Kosher Senior Café, a program in partnership with Jewish Collaborative Services.

• Cultivating Jewish life and learning through arts and culture programs, holidays and observances, and educational opportunities.

• Providing more than 600 children in greater Rhode Island the gift of literacy through PJ Library.

• Creating an engaging communal life at the Dwares Jewish Community Center for individuals and families in the greater Rhode Island area.

When asked his thoughts about “Giving Chai Day,” campaign chair Jamie Pious said “We are excited to bring the concept of ‘Giving Tuesday’ to the Jewish Alliance and our Jewish community here in Rhode Island. We hope this match will motivate the community to make a real difference. Please be a part of this initiative.”

In order to help meet the challenge, the Alliance will be hosting a phone-a-thon that evening, calling those who have not yet made a donation.

For questions, or to make a gift on Nov. 27, contact Seth Finkle, sfinkle@jewishallianceri.org

SETH FINKLE is the development manager at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.