Rhode Island puts the ‘super’ in Super Sunday

Brown/RISD Hillel Executive Director Marshall Einhorn and Arielle Angell. /2013 Super Sunday photo

It’s time to get out your cellphone and take part in the age-old Jewish tradition of tzedakah. On Jan. 11, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., volunteers from across Rhode Island will come together at the Dwares JCC in Providence to make a difference in the Jewish community by raising funds for the 2015 Annual Campaign of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. Super Sunday, the Alliance’s largest phone-a-thon of the year is an annual tradition. This family-friendly event strives raise enough money to help meet the growing needs of local and overseas communities.

Super Sunday 2015 is co-chaired by Camp JORI President Deb Salinger and Jewish Community Day School President Laurence Kotler-Berkowitz. Salinger and Kotler-Berkowitz have been working hard to make this Super Sunday a success, driven by their passion and commitment to the agencies they lead, and their appreciation for the Alliance’s tremendous impact in the community. Sharon Gaines, the Jewish Alliance Board chair, said, “By chairing this year’s Super Sunday, Deb and Laurence are demonstrating extraordinary community spirit and commitment.  Their collaboration sends a great message to our community that we are here for each other, standing together in solidarity to help strengthen and sustain our entire Jewish community.”

Vice President of Philanthropy Trine Lustig noted, “We had an incredible 2015 Campaign event last month featuring Joshua Malina at Temple Emanu-El, attracting 250 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.” Laurence Kotler-Berkowitz said, “I’m proud to chair Super Sunday with Deb Salinger, knowing that we are both working toward the same ultimate goal, even though we are from different agencies.  The funds we raise will help those in need, support the people of Israel and ensure a strong local Jewish community for future generations.”

Super Sunday not only raises funds crucial to the continuity of the 300 programs and services in Rhode Island and abroad, it 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.

Salinger said, “At Camp JORI, our dedicated staff, tireless volunteers and generous donors are committed to providing a high-quality overnight Jewish camping experience that remains available and affordable to all families.  Each year, the Alliance contributes in a significant way, increasing our ability to participate in the One Happy Camper program, providing grants to children to attend Jewish overnight camp.” Volunteer callers are needed to achieve the Alliance’s life-saving and life-enriching mission.

This year, Super Sunday is about more than just raising funds. The Dwares JCC will hold an open house with programming all day. The Israeli Consul General to New England will speak at 2 p.m. The Alliance will judge a religious school tzedakah project. Babysitting will be available all day, enabling parents to volunteer their time to make calls and participate in activities.

Mitzi Berkelhammer, the 2015 Annual Campaign Chair, remarked, “The 2015 Annual Campaign is off to a great start, having already raised over $2.1 million. We are ahead of last year’s campaign, and it’s all because of the strength of our community. Super Sunday is one of those times where we see Jewish Rhode Island come together and demonstrate the power of the collective. I hope that each call made on Super Sunday will instill a sense of pride for our community and knowledge that we are making a difference with every gift made.”

TO LEARN MORE or to donate online, please visit jewishallianceri.org/super-sunday. You can also text SuperSundayRI to 51818.

TO VOLUNTEER, make your gift before Super Sunday or get more information, contact Michele Gallagher at 401-421-4111, ext. 165 or mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org.

HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development associate in Financial Resource Development for the Alliance. Contact her at 401-421-4111, ext. 127 or hschulman@jewishallianceri.org.