2017 Annual Campaign kicks off early and ready to roll with a dynamic duo

The Jewish Alliance Annual Campaign season is about to begin, and optimism and enthusiasm abound. Co-chairs Susan Froehlich and Jamie Pious, longtime lay leaders, make quite a team. They have the experience, dedication and foresight to kick off the campaign season with gusto.

“There’s always a community buzz this time of year. People are winding down from summer and looking forward to the High Holy Days, the cooler weather, the start of school. With this renewed energy comes increased generosity. We want to engage that awareness to springboard the Annual Campaign,” said Froehlich.

There is a shift in timeline this year. Instead of culminating with Super Sunday, which is typically held in December, the campaign will kick off with Super Sunday, set for Sunday, Sept. 18. The co-chairs also seek to close gifts earlier, making the allocation funding process smoother so that partner agencies relying on community funding are able to plan more effectively for the coming program and service year.

Funds raised through the Annual Campaign address critical needs and strengthen the community locally and overseas with compassion, innovation and purpose. Most recently, during the 2016 Annual Campaign, the community raised $3.2M and allocated funding that benefits more than 300 programs and services worldwide.

“Having sat on the Community Development Committee (CDC) and held the role of CDC chair for several years, seeing firsthand where the money goes, meeting with the partner agencies to discuss needs and impact, I understand just how crucial every dollar truly is. That’s why my goal as co-chair is to grow the campaign by at least 10 percent. It’s certainly not an unattainable goal. This community can do it. We will do it. We have to do it,” said Pious.

Froehlich and Pious satisfy the perfect balance between programming and fundraising. Both are committed to learning the ins and outs of Jewish philanthropy and actively participating in the process, encouraging the importance of giving Jewishly to assure the future of our community.

“One of my goals for campaign this year is to change what’s been done before so we reach and inspire younger generations to give and get involved. The need for donors and volunteers only grows greater each year, here at home and across the world, particularly with anti-Semitism on the rise,” Froehlich said, acknowledging that most often only Jews support Jewish programming.

In September, Froehlich will receive the Kipnes-Wilson/Friedland Award at the International Lion of Judah conference sponsored by Jewish Federations of North America. The award, which her mother received 10 years ago, honors one Lion in each community exemplifying the spirit of Lion of Judah, a special society representing generous Jewish women who make a great commitment to philanthropy by attaining specific giving levels.

Froehlich’s ongoing commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam, her many leadership roles at the Alliance, and her decision to establish a Lion of Judah Endowment to sustain a vibrant Jewish future make her a clear winner for this honor. As 2017 Annual Campaign co-chair, Froehlich aims to reach those who have also been touched by intergenerational giving.

With the excitement surrounding the Annual Campaign, as well as the co-chairs, countless community donors, and volunteers, the Alliance is better positioned to shape the community’s Jewish future, creating meaning, vibrancy and engagement. For these reasons alone, every gift to the campaign matters.

“This role challenges me to step out of my comfort zone to make sure we do all we can as a community to ensure that every dollar raised counts for today and tomorrow,” Pious said.

For information on how to contribute to the Annual Campaign or to learn more about the importance of giving Jewishly throughout the year, contact Trine Lustig, vice president of Philanthropy at tlustig@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 223.