The JCC’s Meet the Challenge Campaign is beginning to pick up steam, with more than $16,500 raised of the $125,000 goal and the agency is counting on you to help reach the top.
All of the money raised with be matched dollar for dollar by the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence and used to improve the current JCC facility. Work is already underway in a lot of areas including new men’s and women’s locker rooms, a new safety fence around the Early Learning Center playground and a new chlorine-reducing ultraviolet system for the indoor pool.
But there is much more that the JCC wants to accomplish:
• An ADA-complaint entrance ramp to allow easy access to all JCC members and guests
• A permanent shade structure by the family pool to protect the young and old from too much sun
• A new climbing room on the lower level; and
• New seating and curtain in the auditorium
The campaign is being lead by JCC members who are active in many different areas of the JCC.
Long-time JCC members, Bud Schardein and Susan Waterman are leading the charge in Health and Wellness. “The more people I’ve talked with about making a Challenge commitment, the more I’ve learned about what the Center means to so many members in so many different ways,” says Schardein. “Taking the JCC to the highest level possible, for all, is a gift to our children and grandchildren.”
People of all ages are helping with the campaign. BBYO, a youth group for Jewish teens, is raffling off a ticket to Oaks, a gift certificate to Wild Eggs and free attendance at a BBYO KIO Regional Kallah or BBYO Spirit Convention.
“I am really excited that our Jewish Teens in BBYO are helping with the 125 campaign to help enhance the Jewish Community Center for themselves and for all members of the JCC. Personally, I look forward to enjoying the enhancements and improvements that this campaign will allow the JCC to make,” says Barb Schwartz, chair of the JCC BBYO Campaign.
“Leading camp’s participation in the 125 campaign means a lot to me as it will benefit both JCC members as well as the greater Louisville community that uses the JCC programs, including summer camp!” says Seana Golder, who is working with JCC Summer Camp parents.
The JCC ELC Parent Committee is helping raise money for the new climbing room on the lower level that will be open to all families. Kate Stratman says they are very excited “to help rebuild the climbing room into a safer, more welcoming play area for our kids. The new imaginative play space will be such a wonderful place for them to enjoy!”
Please do your part to help improve the JCC. Visit www.jewishlouisville.org/challengegrant and select an area to help improve. Each dollar will be matched and may be tax deductible (check with your tax advisor). If you have any questions, please contact Kristy Benefield at kbenefield@jewishlouisville.org.
