Super Sunday 2010 Gears Up for Total Participation

Super Weeks evening and daytime phoning sessions, designed to build momentum for Super Sunday, will be held each month until the Jan. 10 community-wide fundraising event. (See box for the Super-Weeks schedule.)

Super Sunday is the Philadelphia Jewish community's single most important day of fundraising -- a day when Federation convenes the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr to raise vital funds for the 2010 annual campaign.

Monies raised during this phone-a-thon provide critical support for Jews in need locally, in Israel, in the former Soviet Union and around the world.

"We are one community with one common goal -- to meet the needs of the less fortunate," said Cari Lasdon, who together with husband, Alan, and Michele and Rob Levin, co-chair Super Sunday 2010.

"This year we are looking for 100 percent participation," added Alan Lasdon.

"With today's economy, more people are reaching out to Federation for help than ever before," he said. "So whatever you are able to contribute will make a difference in someone's life. Your gift does matter."

According to organizers, funds that were raised during Super Sunday 2009 provided emergency financial assistance to local families; enabled children of families in Greater Philadelphia to attend local Jewish day schools; helped connect abused and neglected children in Israel with loving foster families; and made it possible for low-income and disabled seniors to have nutritious kosher meals delivered to their homes.

Super Sunday 2010 will offer two calling shifts -- from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Event organizers encourage people of all ages -- groups and individuals, to volunteer. Event co-chairs are planning a family-friendly event -- child care and children's activities are planned throughout the day.

"Super Sunday is not just about fundraising, it is about community-building. It's a fun way to be a part of something so much larger," said Michele Levin.

This year's Super Sunday theme -- "One Community, One Campaign" -- focuses on individuals working together to make a positive difference in the lives of others who are less fortunate.

"We are so excited to be a part of an event that by design creates community," noted Rob Levin.

"Volunteers, professional staff and our partnership agencies join together on one single day," he continued, "to create the power to care for our community!"

To register for Super Sunday 2010 and for more information about the event, call 215-832-0630 or log on to: jewishphilly.org/supersunday.