Jewish Long Beach sets fundraiser
Drive expected to generate $200,000 in donations
Jewish Long Beach will host its second annual “36 Hours of Jewish Long Beach and the Alpert JCC” multimedia fundraising drive this week
For 36 hours, beginning Wednesday, the twin organizations will try to raise as much money as possible to support their programs, with all gifts up to a total of $100,000 matched by supporters — potentially raising $200,000 total — and will be capped by an in-person tailgating party.
“Last year, our first-ever 36 Hours of Jewish Long Beach far exceeded our expectations,” Jewish Long Beach CEO Zach Benjamin said in a recent statement. “This year, we’re doubling down with a $100,000 match that we’ve secured from some of our most committed supporters in order to advance programs serving Jewish and broader populations throughout Long Beach, West Orange County, and beyond.”
This year, the fundraiser will benefit both Jewish Long Beach and the Barbara and Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center. The two agencies, which have shared the same cam
pus for more than 70 years, voted to integrate into one organization in April. The event will also raise funds for the organization’s annual Lighting the Way Forward, which funds community grants, early childhood education programs and many other services.
The finale of the 36 hour countdown will coincide with the seventh annual “Above and Beyond” tailing event, hosted by Jewish Long Beach Men’s Philanthropy. This year’s tailgating party, co-hosted by Jewish Long Beach’s Alpert New Leaders Forum and the Lentzner Fellows Program, will be held in person at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus, 3801 E. Willow St.
The featured speaker for the evening will be Geoff Schwartz, a former NFL offensive lineman, author and sports commentator.
“Stay tuned to social media, e-mail, and your smart phone,” Benjamin said, “for Jewish Long Beach impact stories and information on how you can invest in the difference we seek to make for our community.”
Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorships are available.
To register: events.idonate.com; or Yolanda Placencio, 562-426-7601, extension 1314. You can also mail a check, made payable to Jewish Long Beach.