Philanthropy

Alina Gerloving Spaulding, our Connections speaker, really hit a nerve.

• “Today, as I was sobbing in the parking lot, I realized that for the first time, this event meant something; it really connected for me. The story that Alina told was my story but a lot less dramatic. You know how something that is part of your own life is ingrained that you never really reflect on it because it is such a part of you? Today, as I heard this story through Alina's eyes, I realized that everything that I have in my life is owed to the fact that there was a Jewish agency willing to help my parents get a visa and get out of Poland.”
   

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  Another attendee explained, “This was the best event I have ever attended. I was so moved, so proud to support the Jewish Federation. And I couldn’t wait to make another gift so I could help Jews overseas in need.”

• "Thank you very much for a well organized and informative event. This is my first time at the Jewish Federation event in Seattle. I was pleased to see such a big community and willingness to make a difference in the world."

These were the types of sentiments heard in the halls, bathroom and ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue after Alina spoke. It was moving as she detailed her family’s journey from the former Soviet Union to New Jersey, with the help of the American Jewish community every step of the way.

The Israeli aid mission to Haiti landed at the Ben Gurion Airport Thursday and was received at a state reception ceremony by IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said, "You showed the world what the true IDF is all about."

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle is partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to direct and provide aid to Haiti after the devastating earthquake. Our hearts go out to all who have lost a loved one and who are in dire need of medical, food, emotional and other ongoing support.

We urge you to donate to the JDC Haiti Relief Fund. Recent federal legislation allows you to take any Haiti donations as a 2009 tax deduction if you wish.

For days, the only operating room in Haiti was that of the Israeli Field Hospital. Read more.

We are partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide aid and relief to victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday.

We urge you to donate to the JDC Haiti Relief Fund.

Young Leadership is looking to build a team of young Jewish volunteers for our 5th annual MenschWorks volunteer service program. It's a great way to meet other volunteer-minded community members, learn about Seattle's Jewish organizations and actively make a difference. Service days are once a month starting January 24 and will feature various volunteer activities at partner agencies of the Jewish Federation, such as Jewish Family Service, the Summit and Seattle Jewish Community School.

Sign up for the entire volunteer series or just for one! Register Now!

“I’m looking at the big picture of this event, at the community building aspects,” explains Lois Fuhr when asked about cochairing the 2010 Connections brunch for women.

Lisa Katsman, her co-chair, sees it differently. “I am driven by the end results–the fundraising–and therefore the good work we can do,” explains Lisa. They are a perfect match to head up Connections, the largest annual women’s outreach and fundraising event in the greater Seattle area.

Are you aware that if you are 70½ years or older, you may make a gift of up to $100,000 per year to the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle from your IRA with no federal income tax impact, and your gift will be counted toward your required minimum distribution?