Super Sunday: A Federation Tradition

Super Sunday: A Federation Tradition

By Ilana Toch

Each year, volunteers in our Greater Charlotte Jewish community have a tradition — they come together on behalf of our Federation to make phone calls to raise funds for the many essential services and programs that the Federation supports. This year, on February 14, our Super Sunday tradition continues, but will have a little twist. Rather than coming together, callers will contact potential donors from the comfort of their own homes, connected virtually by Zoom. The Zoom format will enable volunteers to share the excitement of making calls virtually, together. While volunteers will be calling from different locations, they will be calling with the same heart and passion for all that Federation supports.

Last year the Federation raised a record amount on our “Road to $5 Million” to support the Jewish community — locally, in Israel, and around the world. These funds provided vital assistance to our beneficiary agencies. This year, that record-breaking tradition will continue.

This year’s Super Sunday on February 14 is being cochaired by Rachel and Jonathan

Friedman. Both have been active in our community for several years. Rachel serves as co-president of Charlotte Jewish Preschool PTO and is on the board of Jewish Family Services. A Charlotte native, Rachel is the third generation to be involved in the Charlotte Jewish community. Rachel’s parents, Claire and Paul Putterman, have volunteered in leadership roles for a variety of Jewish organizations for decades, and Rachel fondly remembers her defining experiences in Jewish programs throughout her childhood and high school years.

Jonathan serves on the board of the Jewish Federation, as well as on its Allocations Committee, and is the first vice president of the Charlotte Jewish Preschool board.

After moving back to Charlotte in 2015, Rachel and Jonathan graduated from the Bernstein Leadership Group, where they were inspired to dive into the great work happening around the community and made some amazing friends in the process.

Below are excerpts of an interview in which Rachel and Jonathan tell us more about themselves, their role in the Jewish community and with Super Sunday,

and why they give.

So, why did you want to cochair Super Sunday, and what is your role?

The Federation is all about connecting our community, and no day creates more connections than Super Sunday when volunteers make hundreds of calls to rally support behind inspiring Jewish causes in Charlotte and throughout the world.

Even though many think of Super Sunday as being just about fundraising, there is something special about all of those conversations taking place in just a few short hours. In a year when our shared experiences have revolved around so much grief and fear, Super Sunday is a time for us to remember the amazing things we can do when we come together as a community.

Our role as Super Sunday chairs is to rally a group of motivated volunteers to deliver joy and enthusiasm as they reach out across Charlotte to solicit pledges that will keep our community’s organizations strong for another year. All of us have our own stories of the warmth, compassion, and generosity shown by our fellow Jewish Charlotteans, and Super Sunday is the perfect time to remember and share those memories.

What will this year be different?

Super Sunday will be entirely digital this year for the first time ever. We will be hosting a Zoom “happy hour” prior to the event for all of the callers so that we can still have the feeling of togetherness, even though this year we won’t be gathering in Lerner with friends, a stack of pledge cards, and the great energy that is created in that environment.

We know that it has been a difficult year for many people in the community and beyond. We know asking for money can be uncomfortable, even in the best of times, so it might be a little bit harder to break the ice, but rest assured, we are working some fun and creative ways to keep the energy level high and make sure it is a great event for all involved.

Can you tell us more about why you give?

We give because we truly believe in the work of the Federation. We believe in the promise of tikkun olam — that healing the world is not only possible but is an obligation for each of us.

We are inspired by the selflessness, dedication, and ingenuity of the Jewish agencies in Charlotte and throughout the world that are funded by the Federation. We know that each of these organizations comprises special people who are driven by the opportunity to help those around them and create Jewish experiences that bring us together. The Federation makes that possible.

We give to the Federation, because we can be confident of the impact of our donations, given the diligence that goes into making sure every dollar is spent wisely to advance these amazing causes.

Last, we give because we are grateful for having been embraced by this incredible community, and we want to make sure our children and future generations are given the same opportunity.

What do you want others to know about Super Sunday this year?

We want others to know that everyone is invited play be part. You don’t have to be on a board (or even wearing real clothes!) to join in. Anyone who has some time on February 14 can join us virtually and make calls, even just a few. The time commitment is shorter this year since you won’t have to drive to and from Shalom Park! Also, we have some surprises in store that will make this year fun, even though we can’t be together.

If you aren’t up for joining in to make calls, please pick up the phone when it rings on February 14, make your pledge, and remember what being a part of Jewish Charlotte means to you. We want people to know that every little bit counts. We know this year has been hard for many, and more than anything else, we want people to know that their community is there for them.

If you are interested in volunteering on Super Sunday or making a donation, visit www.Jewishcharlotte.org or contact Ilana Toch, Development Associate at liana.toch@jewishcharlotte.org.