$500,000 Payday?; Stephanie Geldzahler's Shirt Story
A $500,000 PAYDAY?
Wednesday was a great day for The Birmingham Jewish Federation. One that will likely impact for generations to come.
A conversation was held over lunch with a young couple, one of whom serves on our BJF Board. The topic was "Our Next 100 Years," a historic BJF-led initiative. (See below link.) Purchasing a $100,000 second to die insurance policy to benefit The BJF was explored.
The discussion was great. One of these folks, somewhat new to our community, had lots of good questions, and it was a great opportunity to talk about The BJF and the great work we do. There was definite interest on their part in making this commitment, and they will consider it and let us know.
Another conversation was held later in the afternoon with a husband and wife, long-time generous donors, one of whom serves on our board. They understood perfectly why endowing their campaign gift is so important. We discussed a $300,000 commitment that would come to us in their estate.
Upon their passing, the yearly income from the $300,000 would flow into our campaign annually, providing a gift in perpetuity in the name of these great folks. Several giving techniques were explored and they were very interested and will let us know.
STEPPING FORWARD
Shortly thereafter, at a social occasion, one of our board members let us know that she intends to endow her $5000 Lion of Judah gift with a $100,000 bequest. She was happy to do it and stepped forward without even being asked, in response to our efforts this summer to reach out to all of our BJF board members.
So the bottom line is that we could be looking at a "$500,000 payday" for our community --- not a bad day for The BJF!
If you would like to learn more about Our Next 100 Years, Birmingham Jewish Foundation Executive Director Sally Friedman, one of our volunteer leaders, or I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience. Please email me at richardf@bjf.org to arrange a time.
The response this summer has been overwhelming and The BJF is deeply grateful. Moreover, we want to take the liberty of saying "thank you" on behalf of those who will come after us, 100 years from now. They very well could be the grandchildren of some of the young people already serving on our BJF board.
Where else -- and how else -- can one reach across the generations, put our arms around the shoulders of those who will come after us, and say to them loud and clear: "We thought about you and we cared!"
What holy work! Be proud of The BJF.
-- Richard Friedman, Executive Director
Click for more on Our Next 100 Years.
ANOTHER BIRMINGHAM SHIRT STORY
Registration for Winter 2011 Birthright Israel trips for first time applicants will begin Sept. 14. Individuals who have registered previously can reactivate their applications beginning Sept. 13. (See below link to register and for more details.)
Birthright Israel offers young Jews, 18-26, the gift of a first-time, peer group educational trip to Israel. Funds raised by the Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign help support Birthright.
The BJF reaches out to those from our community who go on Birthright trips and sends each participant a t-shirt that says "Alabama" in Hebrew, in exchange for a picture of the participant wearing the t-shirt while in Israel, and some thoughts and impressions about the trip for Update.
Pictured here on her recent Birthright trip atop Masada is Stephanie Geldzahler, daughter of Debbie and Glen Geldzahler. To the right of Stephanie is her roommate, Stacey Friedman. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Alabama and currently lives in Atlanta where she works as a technical recruiter for Visionaire Partners.
"Israel was completely different than what I imagined it would be. The country is gorgeous!" Stephanie wrote to The BJF after her trip. "The feeling of being there really allowed me to understand why Israel is so important to us and the impact it has on us as Jews."
"I felt a connection there and...I have a big love for Israel. I understand now why people want to live there; the country is so unified and amazing!" she added.
The BJF wants to hear about your Israel experience and receive a picture of you in an Alabama in Hebrew shirt while you are there. Please let us know if you or someone you know is planning an upcoming trip to Israel -- we give these shirts as gifts. Contact BJF staff member Donna Berry at 205-879-0416 or donnab@bjf.org to receive a shirt.
Click for more on Birthright Israel.
