Light Fest: Make An Impact

There is a huge opportunity to make an impact coming up quite soon.

We’ve heard our community loud and clear! It’s been one of the most difficult years in memory – and individuals are looking for ways to help. So, Jewish Federation is partnering with our entire Jewish community for a St. Louis “first:” LightFest! This is the perfect opportunity to support- and show your support for Jewish children, families and seniors who are struggling to make it through these difficult times. Come make a powerful impact and have fun at this historic event. Join us!

That's right, it's to connect with the larger community an make some good things happen.

The event is going to be called LIGHTFEST: SHARE. GIVE. CONNECT.

The event goes down from Sunday, December 6, 2009 11:00 am when there will be Opening Ceremonies to 6:00 pm for Closing Ceremonies and Menorah Lighting and will be held at the new JCC.

The plan is as follows:

A Full Day of Mitzvah Opportunities and Fun @ LightFest

· Bring items for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry (food, toiletries, cleaning supplies), toys for Hanukah Hugs (JF&CS), and clothes for the Kids Closet (JFCS / NCJW).

· Give blood at the LightFest Blood Drive

· School-aged children can raise funds for the Lifeline Fund for crisis relief - through sponsorships for the Hop, Skip & Jump-a-thon at the JCC. Contributions will be matched by the Karen Solomon Lifeline Challenge Grant.

· Put your signature on the WORLD’S LARGEST MENORAH which will be displayed on the façade of the JCC Staenberg Family Complex.

· Just be there! For every person who attends, the Staenberg Family Foundation will donate $5 to Federation’s 2009 Jewish Community Campaign.

· Find great opportunities at the LightFest Volunteer Fair.

· Callers wanted! Make calls in the Phone-athon for the Federation Annual Community Campaign. All phone-athon pledges will be matched.

· Hanukah shopping at our One Stop Mitzvah Shop. Get the perfect Hanukah gift for everyone on your list by purchasing Hanukah Tributes.

· For Teens and 20/30-somethings: pitch in to create art that will lighten up the halls of Covenant/CHAI housing for seniors.

· Create Birthday and Hanukah cards for seniors, children and families.

· Complimentary health screenings, Ask the Pharmacist, Ask the Sports Doctor.

· Assemble items that will provide much needed items for those in need.

· Enjoy family entertainment, PJ Library Story Time and celebrity appearances throughout the day!


Why is it important to support this event?

1. Many of us feel a part of a congregation or other Jewish organization, we have few opportunities to feel part of the larger St. Louis Jewish community and be counted. By coming together in a spirit of community Tzedakah – we can each give, share and connect to our own people in a very inspiring way.

2. Every person who attends will make a valuable contribution – just by showing up! The Staenberg Family Foundation will donate $5 to the Jewish Community Campaign for each person who attends LightFest.

3. Charitable giving has decreased in this economy – while needs are increasing. So, every contribution of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and clothing is important. And at a time of great need, donations to Federation's Jewish Community Campaign have never meant so much. The campaign makes sure our community agencies can offer a helping hand to children, families and seniors – whenever they need help.

4. Your congregation/agency can make a big difference. Each congregation/organization/agency is assigned an item to collect for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry (see attachment). The Pantry stock remains extremely low. By encouraging your members/constituents to donate items, you perform a large, tangible group mitzvah!

5. School-aged children can get involved, raise funds – and have fun participating in the Hop, Skip and Jump-a-thon (sponsorship form attached). All funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Karen Solomon Lifeline Challenge Grant – helping families and individuals facing extreme hardship in this economic downturn.

Wanna get involved? Email us at thestloujew at gmail dot com for more information and to be put in touch with the organizers.