FY17 Annual Report

In February 2017, we proudly screened Life, Animated, a the coming-of-age story of a man with autism, in honor of Jewish Disabilities Inclusion and Awareness Month (JDAIM). As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, the screening of Life, Animated was the first big event put on by our newly formed Special Needs Committee. (We started in 2015 as a task force and are thrilled that we officially became a committee in 2016!) Over 75 people came to see this Academy Award–nominated film (Best Documentary Feature) and stayed afterwards to participate in a discussion with Josh Bornstein and Sharon Artz, founding members of the Special Needs Committee. Cooking Up Something Good – Putting Fundraising Dollars to Work Posted by: Mike Goldstein, COO on Monday, June 26, 2017 It must have been at least 90 degrees in the kitchen. The two huge convection ovens were set for 400 degrees, and outside the kitchen door, the room was filled with over 100 people hoping that this would be their lucky night. That could only mean one thing – the JCC’s Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. On pretty much any other night (or day, for that matter), you’d find me fulfilling the role of Chief Operating Officer at the JCC. But that evening, my job was hustling in that hot kitchen to cook the hot hors d’oeuvres. Poker Night is one of the JCC’s big fundraising events, the proceeds from which help provide financial assistance to offset camp costs for families in need. That night, not only did we raise $35,000 ($5,000 more than goal), but one donor was inspired to give a $5,000 donation specifically earmarked for camp financial aid! Amazing! So now I get to put my COO hat back on which is a good thing because that kitchen was really hot! When I heard about the results of Poker Night, I was thrilled that I would get to make a phone call to a family in need who would now be able to send their children to Camp Yachad for the entire summer. This kind of support, engendered by a fun event like Poker Night, is one of the things that makes my job so rewarding. There is indeed “something about this place.” Dear Jen, The JCC has been our second home since we moved to Scotch Plains nine years ago. All three of our kids went through the JCC’s Early Childhood program, attended Camp Yachad and continued to enjoy after school enrichments and the Barracudas Swim Team despite “graduating” from preschool. My husband, Brad, and I are also active at the JCC: we swim with the Masters, and my husband plays in the Men’s Basketball League. Our 10-year-old son recently gave us a gift that is a testament to the very important role the JCC has played in our family’s life. He noticed the Tree of Life donor wall in the JCC lobby and bought us a leaf in honor of our 15th wedding anniversary. With the secret help of Caren Goldberg and the JCC Member Services staff, who he approached on his own, he determined how much he could contribute (from his piggy bank), reviewed the wording, checked and re-checked the spelling. On our anniversary, he presented my husband and me this gold leaf etched with a Happy Anniversary message from him and his two siblings. We are so proud of him and so touched knowing how comfortable he feels at the JCC and with all the people here that empowered him to do such a mitzvah. We will never forget this wonderful gift and the wonderful JCC behind it! Regards, Joan Buyce Jennifer Mamlet A Great Big Thanks from the Buyces We are always so grateful for the role we play in your lives. On July 5, 2017, we welcomed members from the Scotch Plains Police Department, Fire Department, Mayor’s Office and Deputy Mayor’s Office. Over 500 Camp Yachad campers got up close and personal with all these local heroes and learned about the jobs that these important community members do. In turn, our campers showed all these heroes what community is about at Boker Tov, our regular morning welcome! The day was filled with high fives, great energy and many “thank yous” to our local heroes! At Camp Yachad, we launched our first annual Heroes Day to celebrate local heroes! “At the Poker Tournament, I learned that the money raised would immediately provide financial aid to several families so that they would be able to send their kids to Camp Yachad. For me it was a no-brainer – I believe that every kid in our community deserves the chance to attend such a great summer program!” – Anonymous $5,000 Donor