On Wednesday, the Federation hosted its first in-person gathering in our offices since March 2020. (Everyone was required to present their vaccination cards to enter our facility). This was the opening session of the Wechsler Young Leadership Institute. This annual program takes a cohort of around 20 young adults through a year-long learning journey about the Pittsburgh Jewish community and our Federation while instilling each with strong leadership skills.
I have fond memories of meeting with Bud (z”l) and Jackie Wechsler discussing their intentions in establishing this fund within our Jewish Community Foundation. They made it clear that they wanted to insure we have a pipeline of strong volunteer leadership equipped with the skills to lead our Jewish community into the future. I have to imagine that they could not be more pleased with their investment in our Federation and our community. It is an honor for Federation to carry out their charitable wishes.
Last Sunday, the Federation held our annual Super Sunday. It was, once again, a virtual phone-a-thon and resulted in tremendous outcomes. More money raised than last year, a wonderful increase and many more donations secured than last year. Thank you to our volunteers whose efforts gave our 2022 Campaign a boost to $5 million on our way to our $14 million goal.
Super Sunday was last week and now our attention turns towards our annual Mitzvah Day. Several hundred volunteers are registered to participate in volunteer projects both virtually and in person all around town on Sunday, December 26th.
A legacy gift preparing young adults for our/their future. Raising money for today. Volunteering to help our Jewish community and the greater Pittsburgh community.
Yesterday impacting today and tomorrow. Today impacting today. Today impacting the world around us. Just a normal week for our Federation.
Shabbat Shalom. Go Steelers. And happy New Year.