Jewish Federation’s 2012 Community Campaign officially launches this month with the theme, “A Community Thriving. Together.” The annual campaign is the St. Louis Jewish community’s largest ongoing fundraising effort.  Funds raised support 60 local, national and international agencies, programs, services and projects.

“It’s a new era for our community’s Jewish Federation as we launch new efforts to engage young adults and families with young children with an exciting roster of new innovative projects and activities,” said Federation Chair Bob Millstone. “We also continue to support vulnerable Jews who are facing financial and life crises. At the same time, Federation is bringing people and organizations together to do great work to create and maintain a thriving Jewish community.”

Board members, leaders and community members have provided a jumpstart to the campaign, with donations of $2,450,000, according to Patty Croughan, Campaign Co-Chair with Lee Wielansky.

Domestically, Federation is stepping up efforts to enhance Jewish identity, build an exciting and engaging Jewish community — and care for the community’s  vulnerable, said Croughan. 

“For kids, there’s PJ Library that provides free children’s books and CDs. For teens, B’nai Zedek promotes local teen philanthropy. Next Dor and Moishe House offer Jewish social gathering places for college and post-college students. Free Birthright Israel no-cost trips (a $3,000 value) for those 18 to 26 are made possible with Federation support. And for the first time, Federation is offering a special St. Louis-only Birthright Israel trip,” she said.

Internationally, Federation will continue to educate and advocate for a strong Israel and safe Jewish world, especially in the face of an Iranian nuclear threat. Barry Rosenberg, Federation President and CEO, stressed, “In times of crisis, we are prepared to do whatever is necessary whether offering financial support, leading advocacy efforts, dealing with domestic security concerns and more.” At the same time, Federation continues support of Jews in Israel and worldwide with comprehensive services for at-risk families and seniors in our sister-city region, the Former Soviet Union and more.

For the vulnerable, the Lifeline Fund has granted nearly $700,000 in emergency cash and loans since 2008. Federation also helps fund the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. In St. Louis’ sister-city region in Israel, Jewish Federation is helping feed people in need with Leket Israel, the largest food pantry in Israel, and after school and family enrichment programs. For seniors, there are food programs and programs for seniors in Israel and the Former Soviet Union.

Giving opportunities include incentives in which each donation will be matched dollar for dollar. For example, there’s the new Sarah Kovenock and Brad Gross Challenge Grant for young adults and the Lester Miller Challenge for all donors who are new to the rolls or have not given to the campaign since 2010. “These matching donation efforts have been tremendously successful, and help offset the economy’s impact on charitable giving,” said Croughan. 

For more information, visit www.JewishinStLouis.org/JFed.

The above information was provided by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.