Organizers gear up for a ‘Super’ fund-raiser

With an infusion of support from corporate sponsors and the expected participation of more young people this year, excitement is starting to build for Super Sunday 2010, the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County’s largest fund-raiser of the year.

The event, to be held Dec. 6 at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal, will feature the participation of synagogue youth groups and students as well as a performance for young families. The annual phonathon benefits the federation’s annual campaign, which responds to the needs of Jews both locally and in Israel, offers food and companionship for the poor and elderly, provides youth educational experiences, and advocates for Jews around the world.

The phonathon raised approximately $350,000 last year, said Evan Levitt, the federation’s director of financial resource development. “We hope to raise at least equal to last year’s total,” he said.

Super Sunday cochairs are Andy Krantz and Cheryl Markbreiter, both of Wayside. “I feel a real responsibility continuing to be involved in Super Sunday all of these years,” said Krantz, a 10-year veteran of the event.

Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

“One of our goals is to get as many people in our community as possible involved in Super Sunday,” said federation executive director Howard Gases.

To that end, synagogue youth groups can participate, with 50 percent of any increased donations or new donations that they solicit going to benefit their group. “We want the synagogues and youth groups to see that they can benefit financially,” said Levitt.

Additionally, students in grades eight through 12 who receive federation stipends for use at Jewish sleepaway camps or summer trips to Israel are expected to participate.

Popular entertainer Mr. Ray will perform for the younger set at 11:30 a.m. (families participating in the federation-sponsored PJ Library will get a special discount for the show).

Corporate sponsors are also getting on board in increased numbers. Sponsors already enlisted are Central Jersey Bank, CapitalOne Bank, A2Z Promotions, Bellini Manalapan, and Paul Mark Printing. Those businesses who donate $500 or more will enjoy the benefit of having a company link on the federation’s website, event-day publicity, and a listing in NJ Jewish News.

Finally, in recognition that donors are often not at home on Sunday afternoons, phone shifts will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m.

But even those who are phone shy can give. Levitt said that community members who do not want to receive phone solicitations may elect to have their names removed from the federation’s calling records if they make a pledge before Nov. 20.