April brings Power of Community Celebration and Passover

By Rosalee Bogo, 2024 Annual Community Campaign Chair

In April, we will celebrate two important events. On Sunday, April 7, we will have our annual Power of Community Celebration and at sundown on Sunday, April 22, Jews around the world will celebrate Passover. Our Power of Community event is when we celebrate the Annual Community Campaign, the fundraising arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) that meets the needs of local, regional, national and overseas humanitarian organizations and beneficiary agencies. We have a very generous community and are proud that we were able to raise almost $1 million for the Israel Emergency Campaign, and at this event we will hope to announce that we reached the Annual Community Campaign goal of $1,750,000.

Several awards will be presented at the event. The Human Needs Award is an annual monetary award created by the JFGN’s Jewish Community Relations Council to acknowledge positive contributions of small nonprofit organizations serving severely means-limited and disadvantaged populations.

The Stand Up for Justice Award is an educator grant that recognizes school educators who are innovative in bringing respect for other’s differences into their activities in a transformative, impactful and caring way.

The Power of Community Award recognizes outstanding commitment and support demonstrated by a communal agency, congregation, community organization or individual in strengthening community partnerships and cooperation.

The Patricia J. Adkins Youth Leadership Award, which honors the achievements of Collier County high school seniors demonstrating leadership in their activities at their respective congregation and/or BBYO, the leading pluralistic Jewish Teen Movement. Recipients receive a $2,500 scholarship.

This will be a night of celebration for these special people who have dedicated their time to making life better for others by practicing Tikum Olam. I hope to see everyone there to show their appreciation. Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. There is a full-page ad outlining the details in this Federation Star issue.

On the evening of Sunday, April 22, Jewish people all over the world will celebrate Passover. However, not all Jews are able to observe this important holiday. Our Federation sends out a Passover plea yearly, which serves as a vital fundraiser channeling resources to support Jewish communities worldwide. This year, combating antisemitism is also of great importance. By standing united against discrimination and prejudice, the Passover plea safeguards the wellbeing of vulnerable populations and reinforces the resilience and solidarity of the Jewish people.

Through charitable contributions and advocacy initiatives, this effort aims to alleviate suffering and provide essential resources for those in need. This is a heartfelt call to support impoverished Jewish communities globally. Each act of kindness and every gesture of solidarity is a testament to the enduring spirit of our people. Your donation is a guarantee that our traditions and values will be carried forth by those who come after us.

This Passover, we invite you to join hands with fellow supporters and ensure that our generation is remembered for its strength, compassion and unity. Please give generously. No gift touches more lives!