“Get involved.” In our daily lives, that request comes at us from so many directions. Those two words compete with our relationships, kids, work, down time, free time, online time, even sleep time.
Or do they?
The reality is that our Jewish community is powered by “get involved.” The school volunteers, the gala committees, the ones on the phones, the board members. Where would our community be, what would it look like, how would it move forward without those who step up? Why do we “get involved?” Why do we share our time, our generosity, our ideas, ourselves?
Because it matters.
In Jewish life, community has always been front and center. This has been true over the long timeline of our history – and it remains true in the fast-moving, ever-evolving world of today.
Our community, with its amazing range of organizations that strengthen and enhance Jewish lives, depends on people who are willing to commit, people who step up, people who make a difference.
Each year at the IGNITION! Luncheon, the signature event of Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy, a select group of women are recognized. This year’s honorees are Judy Egett Laufer (Gerda Weissmann Klein and Kurt Klein Award), Natalie Stern and DeeDee Vecchione (Rising Star Award) and Suzanne Swift (the newly introduced Madricha Award).
These four women represent a spectrum of talents, ideas, careers and families. They are each in their own unique place on life’s path. But they share one shining trait: When someone asked them to “get involved,” they each said yes.
Please join Women’s Philanthropy for IGNITION! on Thursday, March 30, chaired by Judy Egett Laufer and Karen Nagle. Be there as we honor the power and spirit of “get involved.” We hope that the examples set by these four women will inspire and motivate you.
Our community is counting on it.
For more information, visit jewishphoenix.regfox.com/ignition-2017.
Robin Loeb is the director of Women’s Philanthropy and Donor Relations for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
