On May 21, 2024, JEWISHcolorado, in collaboration with the Colorado Gives Foundation, hosted the inaugural Jewish Colorado Giving Day. This event marked a significant milestone in supporting and strengthening Jewish life across the state, with 38 organizations participating and an impressive $387,051 raised. “We are grateful to all those that donated and to all those organizations that joined this effort,” said JEWISHcolorado President & CEO Renée Rockford. “This is truly an example of how a rising tide lifts all boats.”
One highlight was the Community Incentive Matching Fund, for which JEWISHcolorado raised $57,800. Each participating organization received $1,605 from this fund, thanks to the generous contributions of lead sponsors The Staenberg Family Foundation, The Chotin Foundation, and additional support from Rabbi Eliot & Dr. Hilary Baskin.
Voices of Gratitude and Success
Participants expressed their gratitude and shared their successes, underscoring the event’s impact on their communities:
Jason Plotkin, Executive Director of Ekar Farm: “Ekar Farm met our Colorado Jewish Giving Day match from JEWISHcolorado thanks to our loyal supporters, new donors, and through information sessions hosted by JEWISHcolorado and Colorado Gives Foundation. We’re extremely grateful to our community for this opportunity and hope we’re able to continue this momentum into Colorado Gives Day on December 10th, 2024.”
Sherry Glickman, Vice President of Temple Aaron: “JEWISHcolorado has been supportive of Temple Aaron‘s growth since the current board began working to save the temple in 2016. This year, JEWISHcolorado provided a meaningful opportunity to give to Jewish organizations across the state, which is so important at this time. This campaign was very successful for Temple Aaron: we raised just about $13,000, all of which will be directed toward a matching grant for the replacement of the temple’s roof (we need to raise about $80,000 total). Temple Aaron heard from people in the community who are new to Temple Aaron as well as past supporters, and it was a very effective, positive experience. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this important campaign!”
Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield, Director of JOI: “JOI had a remarkable experience participating in Jewish Colorado Giving Day. This initiative provided us with a unique opportunity to engage with our community and highlight the impactful work we do. Participating in this campaign was crucial for us as it underscored the collective strength and unity of the Jewish community in Colorado, reinforcing the importance of coming together to support and uplift one another.”
Participating Organizations
The event brought together a diverse array of organizations across the state, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Jewish life in Colorado. These included:
- ACE: Arts, Culture and Education at the JCC
- Adventure Rabbi
- Anti-Defamation League Mountain States
- BMH-BJ Congregation
- B’nai B’rith Youth Organization
- Boulder County Center for Judaism
- Boulder JCC
- BRCA Initiative: Bringing Radical Cancer Awareness
- Colorado Hebrew Chorale
- Congregation Beth Evergreen
- Congregation B’nai Torah
- Congregation Bonai Shalom
- Congregation Har HaShem
- Denver Academy of Torah
- Denver Jewish Day School
- Ekar Farm
- Friendship Circle Colorado
- Har Mishpacha Jewish Congregation of Steamboat
- Har Shalom Center for Jewish Living
- Hillel of Colorado
- Honeymoon Israel
- Israeli American Council
- Jewish Family Service of Colorado
- Jewish Fertility Foundation
- Jewish Outreach Initiative
- Judaism Your Way
- Kabbalah Experience
- Kavod Senior Life
- National Council of Jewish Women Colorado Section
- Ramah in the Rockies
- Repair the World Colorado
- Shalom Park
- Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center
- Temple Aaron of Trinidad Colorado
- Temple Beit Torah
- Temple Sinai
- The Efshar Project
The success of the inaugural Jewish Colorado Giving Day highlights the power of community and collaboration. JEWISHcolorado and the Colorado Gives Foundation have set a remarkable precedent for future philanthropic efforts, fostering a stronger, more connected Jewish community throughout Colorado. As we look forward to Colorado Gives Day on December 10th, 2024, the momentum and spirit of giving are sure to continue growing.