Dear Jewish Community Member:
 
Last night, the parking lot of the JCC was filled with cars as the swim team hosted a TSA meet for the second time this season.  Shouts of joy and encouragement could be heard throughout the evening. This community-building event is a good metaphor for all of the activities taking place in the first half of 2010 at the Federation.
 
In the first six months of the year

• JFS provided Shabbat services for over 50 Jewish seniors in retirement communities;
• JFS provided ongoing counseling and emergency services for community members in crisis and spearheaded community support for the Lotsmanov family, who faced the tragic loss of Irina (wife, mother) a mere four days after being resettled in our community from Russia.;
• Over 70 seniors attended luncheons, book clubs, discussion groups and movies;
• Over 100 kids joined the J-Rays swim team;
• Over 200 campers began another Jewish summer experience at Camp JCC;
• And much, much more.

In the past year, we have committed ourselves to several important goals.

• Transparency and integrity in our operations, specifically how the Federation uses the funds raised from the community. As such, the Annual Report (which was published one month ago and is available on the Federation website or by request by mail) is a major step forward in communicating with community.  We recommend that everyone read it.
  
• Accelerating the 2010 Annual Campaign and making adjustments in our budgets as we track the campaign’s progress.   This community needs to raise the level of campaign to meet a minimum level of services necessary to Jews in need..

The good news is that the hard work of the Tikvah Team and campaign volunteers has paid off: we have now surpassed the 2009 Annual Campaign!  Our campaign is running 25% ahead and we feel we are on target for a $500,000 success.

The not so good news is that we ran a deficit last year.  Despite this year’s success, we must be fiscally responsible in order to gain the strength we lost in 2009.  We are up against an aggressive homestretch if we want to meet our set campaign goal of $570,000. As a result, we have had to make adjustments to our budget and services.

The Board and professional staff have carefully and strategically streamlined the organization, with changes including the elimination of the positions of Directors of JFS, JCRC and the JCC.  The resulting savings affect all divisions of the Federation, including the JCC, JFS, JCRC and external giving.  We will compensate for these changes through Barry Schwartz's oversight and the work of our highly qualified JFS and Federation staff members.  We remain committed to giving both directly and indirectly to the State of Israel and, unlike past years when campaign fell short, needs outside of our immediate community will still be funded.

We are tremendously disappointed to have to make these adjustments. We can assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure that no critical services are hurt.  These are the times when needs are greater, and our mission is more relevant than ever. 
 
We have said all along that we believe the Jewish Federation is vital to building Jewish community in Raleigh and Cary, but building requires resources. So, to those who are concerned, we say that we sincerely appreciate your caring and invite you to contribute to our growth, whether financially or in a volunteer capacity. Encourage your friends to help you construct a legacy that will carry this community through these hard times.  Come help us, and become part of the solution.

With Our Best Regards,
 
Doug Kahn         Co-President
Mark Goldhaber  Co-President
Keith Satisky      Vice -President