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Uptown Chabad Celebrates Record-Breaking Chanukah Event and Fundraising Success
February 2024
By Rabbi Motti Groner
As the year drew to a close, Uptown Chabad celebrated remarkable achievements in attendance and fundraising. The community witnessed an extraordinary Chanukah event and a highly successful year-end crowdfunding campaign that exceeded all expectations.
Chanukah Event Draws Record Crowd
Uptown Chabad’s 6th annual “Drinks + Dreidels” Chanukah celebration marked a historic turnout, with over 180 young professionals gathering at Club Vine at Ink N Ivy. The event, featuring an open bar, traditional latkes, donuts, dreidel games, and a Chanukiah lighting ceremony, was the largest yet.
A highlight was the distribution of over 40 chanukiot kits to those in need, embodying the Chanukah spirit and demonstrating Uptown Chabad’s growing support within the Charlotte Jewish community.
Fundraising Campaign Surpasses Goal
Launched on December 10, Uptown Chabad’s annual crowdfunding campaign, with dollar-for-dollar matches up to $40,000 from benefactors including Gary and Jodi Michel, Mark Roth, the Lipsitz family, and other friends, aimed to support community programs and initiatives.
Exceeding expectations, the campaign reached over $80,000 in just fi ve days, doubling the previous year’s goal. The yearly campaign not only serves as a financial pillar for Uptown Chabad but also acts as a powerful motivator, inspiring young professionals to actively participate in philanthropy and community-building initiatives. The success of this year’s campaign reflects the growing sense of responsibility and engagement within our community, highlighting the impact of collective efforts in fostering a vibrant and supportive environment.
Looking Ahead
In 2023, Uptown Chabad reached over 440 young professionals and a total of 1,968 event attendees. We are grateful for our community’s support and look forward to continued growth, involvement, and the spirit of giving that defines our success.
