It seems like the outdoor pool opened just yesterday and we are now preparing to close down in just a couple of weeks. Where did the time go?
When I began working in the Jewish community 24 years ago, I remember the executive director of the JCC telling me “things quiet down during the summer and we have the opportunity to catch up.” At this exact point last year, I mentioned how I am still waiting for the break, but I now realize that this is one of our busiest times of the year.
We have the 2014 Annual Campaign to wrap up, the 2015 Annual Campaign to launch, the unfortunate need to run an emergency Stop the Sirens campaign to raise desperately needed funds for the citizens of Israel who have spent their summer in shelters in the middle of a conflict they did not start.
Last month we alluded to a Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence Challenge we received during their last round of funding. This challenge is in addition to their generous award of $200,000 to be used to address deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs such as heating/air conditioning systems, new basketball goals in the lower gym, major locker room renovations (coming soon) and many other projects you will begin to notice around the JCC.
We had requested a total of $440,000 to enhance the experiences, programs and services provided to the community. So, back to the challenge!
Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence (JHFE) has extended the following challenge:
If we raise $120,000 towards the remaining projects on our list, including security enhancements, Health & Wellness improvements and updates, CenterStage facility improvements, Early Learning Center updates, and other projects by December 31, 2014, JHFE will match the amount and provide us with an additional $120,000 to complete the necessary upgrades.
This is an opportunity for you to double the impact of your contribution. Let’s meet this challenge together and create the kind of central Jewish address we can all be proud of. A place where all from the community come together, from babies to teens, from young adults to baby boomers, from theater patrons to retirees to be a part of the excitement and activities that happen here every day.
The summer may be drawing to a close, but the excitement is just beginning! Come make the future a reality by helping us meet the challenge. For more information regarding this challenge or other opportunities to contribute to the Jewish Community of Louisville please call 502-238-2739.