Together, as one!

Be a part of the 2025 season

By Rosalee Bogo, Annual Community Campaign Chair

December is the month we begin to implement the programs and events we have worked on all summer. We are excited about what is ahead for our community. Dec. 11 is the kickoff of our 2025 Annual Community Campaign, which is to be held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

This campaign provides us the funds with which we can fulfill our mission of strengthening Jewish communities and supporting Jewish causes worldwide. We plan to bring in speakers who can educate us about where support is needed and where the funds we raise go. I don’t think I’m alone in believing that with the ongoing war in Israel, everything we do seems to be more important.

We also host events to thank the community for their support. We have formed a new group this year, the Silver Circle Society. This group is made up of donors who have given to any Federation in any community for 25 years or longer. A well-deserved appreciation reception is planned for Jan. 8 at the Naples Hilton with special guest, JFNA National Campaign Chair David Heller. A second event is planned for Feb. 19 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Please be sure to send your name to Alicia Feldman at afeldman@jewishnaples.org so you will receive your invitations.

There are quite a few events planned for our Women of Philanthropy. This is for any woman who gives to our Federation. Jewish Women’s philanthropy has had a profound impact on fundraising. Ninety percent of women in high income households make the philanthropic decisions. Women’s giving has empowered initiatives that address pressing issues, from social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.

As in other communities, we have Women’s Philanthropy divisions here in Greater Naples. Our divisions are our Lions of Judah and our Pomegranate Society.

Lions of Judah is a giving society of women who consistently contribute a minimum of $5,000 to the Annual Community Campaign. Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is honored to boast 111 of these female philanthropists. Twelve of these dedicated women have committed to becoming Forever Lions and have endowed their gift.

Our Pomegranate Society is 65 women strong; these generous women give a minimum of $1,800 to the Annual Community Campaign. Both the Lions and the POMs wear beautiful pins that show their commitment to tikum olam

New to our community is the JeWEL Society, which stands for Jewish Women Emerging Leaders. This new generation of Jewish leaders are taking their first steps by committing to take responsibility for the continuity of Jewish identity in our community. Founding members will receive an exclusive Elyse Ryan bracelet.

We are excited about this newest addition to our women’s groups and what it can mean to the future of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. All the divisions bring something uniquely special to help foster a sense of community and a commitment to Jewish philanthropy.

Exciting events are planned throughout the season for all the groups. If you are a member of Lions, POMs, or JeWEL Society, keep an eye out for your invitation. If you are interested in learning more about these groups or you want to join these caring women in achieving our core mission, please don’t hesitate to ask me for more details.

Each month in my article, we will share what is planned for the community in future months. We will bring all the groups of donors together and together, as one we will make a difference for the Jewish community in Naples, in Israel, and in 69 countries around the world.