FY17 Annual Report

WE PLANTED SEEDS FOR OUR STRONG FUTURE “My experiences through the JCC have led me to appreciate that I am connected to something much larger than myself and that I am part of a shared Jewish history. I want to do my part towards securing our Jewish future. My entire family enjoys an ongoing relationship with our JCC and being a Chai Society donor allows this relationship to continue. I am grateful to the Create a Jewish Legacy Program for giving me this opportunity.” – Mindy Goldberger, Past President, Executive Committee Member, Create a Jewish Legacy Chair “The JCC lives in our hearts. Linda and I felt it was imperative to become legacy donors so that our kids see that it is important to give back and make sure that institutions keep thriving. We wanted to make an impactful gift to ensure that the JCC endures beyond ourselves, that future families from the community have a place to call their own.” – Peter Weissbrod, JCC President “The JCC was the first place to open their arms to our family when we relocated from Boston. Little did we know then the lifelong bond we would form – from friendships made both with other members and staff, to our children’s complete cycle through the preschool and Camp Yachad, to being a JCC Board Member. The greatest gift, however, has been our children’s deep connection with and pride in their Judaism which was forged through their experiences at our JCC. That gift reignited my own Jewish journey as well. As a result, I wish to give a lasting gift back to our JCC so other families can experience the same benefits we have had in our affiliation with this wonderful home away from home.” – Pam Brewster, Past JCC Board Member “We feel lucky that our kids have been able to grow up at the J, within our special Jewish community. So many places don't have a local J. Through our legacy commitment we are doing what we can to help ensure that the JCC of Central New Jersey will be here for generations to come. Pay it forward!” – Kenneth Rotter, JCC Past President “The JCC has been such an important part of my family’s life since the day we moved to Scotch Plains. I am forever grateful for the education my children received, the fun and educational events we have enjoyed and most importantly, for the lifelong friendships we have made. Being a legacy donor helps to ensure that the JCC will still be vibrant for decades to come.” – Stefani Klaskow, JCC Executive Committee Member Chai Society, the JCC’s Legacy Giving Program, launched in FY17. In this first year, our goal was to secure 18 Chai Society donors, and we succeeded! The lives of these individuals and their families have been meaningfully enriched by a connection to our JCC so they made a commitment to include the JCC of Central New Jersey in their estate plans. We are so grateful to our Chai Society members and their commitment to our future. Thank you! Anonymous • Julie Roffé Barkin and Allen Barkin • Ann and Louis Beckerman • Pam Brewster • Debra and David Feldman • Stacie and Barry Friedman • Mindy and Glen Goldberger • Stefani and Lee Klaskow • Phyllis Bernstein and Bob Kuchner • Jennifer and Alex Mamlet • Erica and Steven Needle • Bethany Nadel and Kenneth Rotter • Suzanne and Robert Tucker • Linda and Peter Weissbrod Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey’s Create A Jewish Legacy Shorashim Event – September 2017 I found a fruitful world, because my ancestors planted it for me. Likewise I am planting for my children – Talmud