Apr 11, 2011
Fundraise for Federation Now Online
Today, more and more nonprofits are turning to the Internet as a resource to raise funds. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has created an online application where people can easily raise money via their own personal fundraising page. Here, supporters can help raise funds for the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, which supports vital programs and services to help Jewish people in need in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries worldwide.
Two members of Federation’s Board of Directors, Bobbie Higer and Daniel Halberstein, have already put this new fundraising tool to the test and, combined, they have raised nearly $2,000 for the Campaign. By reaching out to their personal contacts, Higer and Halberstein were able to spread the word rapidly about their support of Federation and why others should get involved.
Giving back to the community was a priority for Halberstein, and he wanted to make sure he did his part. “I sent an email out to all of my contacts - Jewish mostly - friends, professional colleagues and those who don’t ordinarily give to Federation,” he said. “Our community has a lot of needs and goals. I want to help as many people as possible and spread the word…get the community involved.”
Higer recognizes the blessing of being in the position to give, rather than to receive. The 2010 recipient of the Robert Russell Fellowship Award, Higer believes that the greatest gift she can receive is the gift of giving to others. “That is why in lieu of a gift for a birthday or other simcha, I often ask my friends and family to make a gift in my honor to the Federation,” Higer said. “I am participating in the tremendous mitzvah of helping those in need, and inspiring others to do the same,” she said.
One in eight Jews in the Miami community receives some form of financial assistance from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its local partner agencies. At the same time, thousands of people around the world depend on Federation and its overseas partners for a lifeline of programs and services.
Setting up a page is quick and easy. Log on to Jewishmiami.org/fundraising and follow the simple instructions on how to set up your own personal fundraising page. Set a fundraising goal for yourself, and then email your family, friends and coworkers and ask them to help achieve your goal.
