Chai Five Challenge: B’yachad! We did it!
By Tami Warshawsky, Director of Development
For 48 hours, our community showed up and supported Schechter in a big way.
One gift after another came in from parents and students, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Each donation reflected a belief in the impact of Schechter on our students, our families, and our future. By Wednesday afternoon, we reached our initial goal and secured an additional $100,000 challenge gift from our Chai Five sponsor.
With excitement building across the community, we approached two donors with a request for a new challenge: what if we aim “chai-er,” with a goal of 613 gifts to earn an additional $36,000?
The response: “Of course. That’s a great idea. Thank you for the opportunity!”
And once again, b’yachad, together, we not only reached 613, we surpassed it, receiving more than 620 donations. With those gifts and the generous support of our sponsors, we raised more than $200,000 for Schechter.
This year’s Challenge was led by an outstanding group of co-chairs who reflect the many generations and connections that define Schechter: Joanna Gliksberg (alumna and future parent), Ari Derman (alumnus and current parent), Tracy Lynn (current parent), Ed Plotkin (grandparent), and Suzy Hakimian (faculty member, parent of alumni, and grandparent). Their leadership is a powerful reminder that relationships with Schechter continue to grow and deepen over time.
“I enjoyed being a co-chair for this important fundraiser because my wife and I truly appreciate the outstanding education that Schechter is providing for our grandchildren and the opportunity they have to understand the importance of a Jewish education,” said Ed Plotkin. “We also love seeing how much our grandchildren enjoy being Jewish and celebrating the holidays,” he added. “That is what made it so easy to reach out to family and friends, encourage them to donate, and help us reach our goal.”
More than 100 ambassadors also helped drive the campaign’s success. As Sandy Starkman shared, “I was proud to support this campaign and reach out to friends and family. One friend actually thanked me for emailing a second time, and then she donated.”
A huge thank you to Shira Rozgovich, Development and Events Manager, for organizing the campaign and supporting our co-chairs and ambassadors every step of the way.
Whether this was your first gift or one of many over the years, your generosity reflects a deep belief in the power of Jewish education at Schechter.
Thank you. Todah rabah!
