Creating for Tomorrow

Dear Thelma and David,

We write to you in gratitude for your continued investments in the greater St. Louis community. Because of you our shared community is better, stronger, smarter and happier

This is what we are about building community. (It’s our middle name.)

The Jewish Community Center (The J) has been an integral part of the St. Louis community since 1880. From its early days as the YMHA downtown to today’s three thriving campuses – the Staenberg Family Complex in the Creve Coeur area, the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield , and Camp Sabra at the Lake of the Ozarks — the J serves people from as young as 6 weeks to more than 100 years within our five core service areas: Early Childhood Education, Arts & Culture, Group Social Services (including senior nutrition and inclusion programs), Day and Resident Camp s, and Fitness & Wellness

In 1880, the J was created out of necessity Jews in the St. Louis area needed a secure place to gather and be enthusiastical ly themselves, as they routinely faced discrimination in traditional gathering spaces. These beginnings very much fuel how we run our programs today: All are welcome.

We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, respected, empowered , and equal in our spaces & programs. We celebrate all members, participants, staff , and volunteers in the spirit of the Jewish traditi on that all humans are created b’tzelem Elohim, ‘in G-d’s image ’ It is with this mindset that we lead our programs and invite the entire community to join us at the J and commit to creating a welcoming community for all, regardless of faith or background.

More than 40,000 people directly participate in our programs annually, whether enjoying a film at our annual Jewish Film Festival, learning ABCs in our Early Childhood Center, making a new friend at camp , or participating in a myriad of youth sports activities There is something for everyone at the J.

We see an urgent need to expand our services and our reach to fill the current and anticipated needs of our community. It is wit h this vision that we are embarking on our Creating the J for Tomorrow campaign

We enthusiastically submit this proposal and are grateful for your thoughtful consideration This important initiative to expand services at the Marilyn Fox Building will empower us to fulfill current and future needs of this community and ensure we deliver an even greater impact on our children, gran dchildren, and all who follow in our footsteps. More than 26 years ago, we named our West County facility in honor of Marilyn Fox in recognition of the transformational contributions she made to our agency We continue to honor her legacy with this project. Thank you for your consideration.

With Gratitude,

Lynn Wittels, President & CEO

Ted Flom, Board Chair

Debbie Lefton, Capital Campaign Co -Chair

Greg Siwak, Capital Campaign Co -Chair