Rhode Island Prepares to “Answer the Call” on Super Sunday

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November 24 promises to make a difference for the Jewish community

PROVIDENCE – On Sunday, Nov. 24, volunteers from across Rhode Island will come together at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to make a difference in the Jewish community, raising funds for the 2014 Annual Campaign. Super Sunday, the Jewish Alliance’s largest phone-a-thon of the year and an annual tradition, is a family-friendly event that strives to help meet the growing needs of our local and overseas communities. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their cellphones and take part in the age-old Jewish tradition of tzedakah.

Amanda Eisenberg,  president of Jewish Family Service, and Jeffrey Padwa, president of Jewish Seniors Agency, are co-chairs of this year’s Super Sunday. Driven by their passion and commitment to the agencies they lead and their appreciation for the Jewish Alliance’s tremendous impact in the community, Isenberg and Padwa have been working toward making this Super Sunday a success. Susan Leach DeBlasio, the Jewish Alliance’s 2014 annual campaign chair, said, “By chairing this year’s Super Sunday, Jeffrey and Amanda are demonstrating extraordinary community spirit and commitment. Their collaboration sends a great message to our community that we are here for one another, standing together in solidarity to help strengthen and sustain our entire Jewish community.

“We kicked off our 2014 Campaign last month with a phenomenal Campaign Launch event featuring Mike Greenberg at the Biltmore Hotel, attracting more than 300 community members. There is a tremendous amount of excitement and momentum from that event that I know will have a positive influence on the success of our Super Sunday.”

Padwa said, “I’m proud to chair Super Sunday with Amanda Isenberg, knowing that the funds raised will help those in need, support the people of Israel and ensure a strong local Jewish community for future generations.”

The annual Super Sunday event not only raises funds crucial to the continuity of the 300 programs and services here in Rhode Island and abroad, but also raises awareness of the Alliance’s important role in strengthening Jewish life in Rhode Island. Even as the economic status of many in this country continues its upward trend, times are still tough for most.

People locally and abroad rely on the Alliance and its agencies for assistance, now more than ever. Isenberg states, “At my agency, Jewish Family Service, we see so many people in need, and thanks to the Alliance’s support, we are able to provide counseling services, synagogue-based social welfare services and kosher nutrition services, including meal sites for older adults and people with disabilities.”

Funds raised on Super Sunday and throughout the Annual Campaign will also ensure that our community is engaging families with young children and will guarantee the continuity of the One Happy Camper program by providing grants to children to attend Jewish overnight camp. Volunteer callers are needed to achieve the Alliance’s life-saving and life-enriching mission.

Super Sunday this year is not only for the fundraisers. The Alliance will have programs all day for children, including a tzedakah project in which all religious school students can participate. Babysitting will be available all day, enabling parents to volunteer their time to make calls.

Eddie Bruckner, vice president of Financial Resource Development for the Alliance, remarked that, “The 2014 Annual Campaign is off to a great start, having already raised over $1 million. Super Sunday has always been a day that brings us together in the spirit of community and tzedakah. It’s about the power of the collective. The dollars raised on Super Sunday and throughout the Campaign will ensure that we can continue to engage families with young children, make sure that the members of the next generation have strong Jewish identities and help the most vulnerable members of our community.

“I’m confident that this message on Super Sunday will inspire people to give generously, increasing their support from last year if they can. But more importantly, I hope that each call on Super Sunday will instill a sense of pride in knowing that each gift has meaning, is impactful and is making a real difference.”

So mark your calendars for Super Sunday on November 24 and volunteer your time to help the Jewish community. The Jewish Alliance is committed to strengthening our Jewish community, so please make sure to answer your phone and contribute generously to the 2014 Annual Campaign. This phone call is too important to miss and our community is counting on it.

To learn more or to donate online, visit jewishallianceri.org.

To volunteer, make your gift before Super Sunday or get more information, contact Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org or 421-4111, ext. 165.

Hillary Schulman is a Development Associate in Financial Resource Development for the Jewish Alli-ance. Contact her at hschulman@jewishallianceri.org or 421-4111 ext. 127.