Jewish Family Service News Items

For Synagogue/Jewish Communal Newsletters
February 2006

Purchase Tickets for the JFS Executive Luncheon - a Rip-Roaring, Side-Splitting Event!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 11, 2006 and plan to attend the second annual JFS Executive Luncheon. The event, featuring zany humorist Dave Barry, promises to be an unforgettable afternoon! The New York Times calls Dave Barry "the funniest man in America." The Washington Post calls him "America's Humorist." He won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary, and says he "is still trying to figure out how that happened."

Ultimately, Dave Barry is as funny as he is smart, thereby putting the fun back in fundraiser. Tickets to this light-hearted event are $150 each. For tickets, corporate tables, sponsorships, or information contact Lisa May, development associate, at (303) 597-5000, ext. 365 or Lmay@jewishfamilyservice.org. To purchase your tickets online, please go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp and enter event code: JFSExec (all one word, not case-sensitive).

Passover Food Project - Volunteers Needed

The Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council, the Synagogue Council of Greater Denver and Jewish Family Service have joined forces again this year to provide about 100 Passover food packages for families in need. The Synagogue Council collects donations and purchases everything families require for a Passover Seder such as a main dish (chicken or turkey), matzo meal, tuna, candles, eggs, matzo, gefilte fish, desserts and more. The Rabbinical Council, local congregations, JFS staff, and others then make referrals for families who should receive these packages. JFS volunteers, including the Genesis Board of Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, package and distribute the food.

JFS seeks volunteers to help package food on April 5, help with pickup on April 6, and help with deliveries on April 9. If you are able to participate in this mitzvah, please contact Cindy Lackner, JFS volunteer coordinator, by March 15 at (303) 597-5000, ext. 379.

JFS Seeks Scholarship Applicants

Jewish Family Service is now accepting applications through May 1 from eligible Jewish students for its Bilett Scholarship. The Terry Ruth Bilett Scholarship Loan Fund was established by William Bilett, JFS past president, and his wife and son, in memory of their daughter and sister.

The fund is intended to assist any Jewish person to begin or continue in an educational or training program that will lead to a specific vocational goal. Scholarship loans are awarded on the basis of financial need and the requisite scholastic or special talents required for the applicant's anticipated training program.

Scholarships are approved only for one academic year and are not automatically renewable. The support is intended to supplement other sources of income, such as family contributions, earnings or other scholarships. Preference will be given to students who attend local schools. Students who go to an out-of-state school due to a valid reason, or who have accepted a financial aid package from an out-of-state school will also be given consideration. Scholarships are awarded on a loan basis, and applicants are obligated to return to the fund the full amount of the scholarship.

Information: Shelly Hines, JFS Family Safety Net case manager, (303) 597-5000, ext. 319.

JFS Camp Scholarship Available

Jewish Family Service will be accepting scholarship applications for The Gus and Rona Levin Campership Fund through May 1. The fund was created to provide scholarships for low-income Jewish children to make it possible for them to attend a Jewish camp in Colorado.

Camperships are awarded on the basis of financial need and the extent to which a Jewish camping experience will strengthen the child's ties to the Jewish community.

Funds are to be used during a one-year period and are not automatically renewable.

Information: Shelly Hines, JFS Family Safety Net case manager, (303) 597-5000, ext. 319.

JFS Weinberg Food Pantry Needs Your Help!

The need for donations for the JFS Food Pantry is great throughout the year as we continue to see record number of clients each week. The staff urges synagogues, scout troops, community groups, schools and individuals to help us organize food drives so we can offer our clients more food. The Safety Net provides donation barrels and encourages each congregation or group to choose one item to collect such as soup, pasta sauce, cereal or canned fruit. The top 10 Pantry needs are: canned vegetables, canned fruit, protein (such as canned tuna, envelopes of tuna, and canned salmon), canned soup, spaghetti and tomato sauce, cereal, diapers, infant formula, toilet paper, and gift certificates (such as King Soopers, Safeway, and Albertson's).

Party with a Purpose!

Make a contribution to those less fortunate in our community while celebrating your next special occasion. By ordering customized centerpieces from JFS for your next event (Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, baby namings, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, dinners, or luncheons), you will help feed the hungry!

Proceeds support the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Food Pantry and each basket is designed to recognize your generosity. Delivery and pickup are provided for your convenience. You may also order larger Bimah/Dais Baskets for the sanctuary or head table.

New designs are now available - order your centerpieces today! Contact Cynthia Lackner at (303) 597-5000, ext. 379 or clackner@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Do a Car Mitzvah!

Donate your car, truck, van, boat, or RV. Your tax-deductible contribution will benefit JFS's wide-ranging programs serving people of all faiths in our community, regardless of economic status. We'll even arrange for free towing if your vehicle has lost its zip. Sound good to you? Give us a call today at (303) 597-5000.

JFS Needs Volunteers to Help Seniors

Volunteer as a driver for the RIDE Transportation Program and provide a valuable service by transporting, escorting and staying with clients at their medical and dental appointments. Not only will you help out fellow community members, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends - perhaps developing a new, treasured relationship. Please contact Ann Reilly for more information: (303) 597-5000, ext. 315.

Alaina Green
Jewish Family Service of Colorado
3201 S. Tamarac Dr.
Denver, CO 80231
ph. 303-597-5000 x367
fax 303-597-7700
agreen@jewishfamilyservice.org

For the latest JFS news, please click www.jewishfamilyservice.org