Click here to go back to JAM!
Posts Tagged ‘UJA’
Four Days Until the Mother-Daughter Event!
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010Doing Good Really Feels Great!
Friday, November 6th, 2009
Have you ever worked really hard on something and have it finally come together? That was me today speaking from the podium in front of 350 successful woman that all give a significant amount of time and money to the UJA Federation, a not for profit humanitarian organization that helps keep people out of harm’s way. What was I talking about? My topic was a program called Connect to Care – an initiative created to help people who are in need of assistance as a result of the recent national economic downturn. It helps those who are having a hard time paying the rent and putting food on the table. I was one a three Co-chairman and we began planning this fundraiser luncheon in September!
There was a really fun kick-off. First, we went to the catering hall in which the event was to be held and had a tasting lunch of five different food combinations and dessert. It was interesting to think about all the things to consider. What kind of food do people like? What are people allergic to? Next we had to with find an appropriate speaker – a key element to an event like this one. That was important, with lots of disappointments along the way, until we found someone that turned out to be great. Next was getting people to attend. It was a lot of work sending out all those emails and following up with phone calls. But in the end it was a great success and all of the work was worthwhile. Especially as we approach the holiday season I can tell you that it feels really good to do good, so I suggest that you give some thought to what you can do to help those in need. You don’t have to spend any money, just donate some of your time – a little bit can make a big difference.
For example, a couple of weeks ago I took a really long bike ride and as I approached my 19th mile, there was a dog running loose – panicked – in the middle of the road. I got off my bike, got the dog over to the side of the road and phoned the number that was on his dog tag. The woman who answered the phone sounded really upset and then relieved to hear that the dog was safe. After waiting for more than 20 minutes for the owner to come and get her dog – I was exhausted and had lost my momentum to finish my uphill ride. It was worth it to see the joy on the owner’s face when she was finally reunited with her dog. It felt really good to be part of that! Have any of you done any good deeds lately? Let us know!
Xoxo,
Marlene
UJA “In Her Footsteps” Luncheon
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Carol and Abby Levin; Photo: Michael Priest
Today I was among over 700 woman philanthropists at a luncheon honoring Mother/Daughter power which was showcased at the UJA’s In Her Footsteps luncheon. The presenting organization UJA, was established and is supported by a Jewish population that cares for those in need and recues those in harm’s way. UJA was among the first organizations to provide significant help immediately after Hurricane Katrina as well as other human catastrophes. UJA helps Jews and non Jews alike to repair the world- the UJA Woman’s Philanthropy group raised over $26 million.
Back to the luncheon, there were two Mother/Daughter pairs being honored in recognition of their exceptional work in the area of giving to charity. Each Mother/Daughter pair talked so lovingly about their devotion to each other and to the cause for which each of them works so hard. It was especially significant to me because I know one of the honorees and I know how difficult the last 12 months has been for her and her daughter due to personal upheaval. The thing is that the needs of others don’t stop just because we’re distracted with our own life drama and their work was clearly not to be halted because of it. You might call it good citizenship, you might call it philanthropy, whatever you call it, it’s something each of us has a responsibility to do.
I don’t know if you have ever given thought to the needs of those less fortunate than you, if not, maybe it’s time. Whether it’s through your church, your synagogue or your local hospital, this summer might be the perfect time for you to explore things you can do to support your community and incorporate good citizenship into your life.
Like Talia, one of our JAM VIP’s and one our JAM mom’s Yolanda writing about her daughter- there are lots of JAM girls that are already on the CARING road to good citizenship. I’d love to hear about things that you and your family do in the community and would be happy to include them in the BLOG. Keep me posted.
Xoxo
Marlene