B'Emunah: Eternal Excellence Endowment Campaign

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CAMPAIGN CONTINUES TO SOAR

AN APPRECIATIVE CONGREGATION RESPONDS

"The campaign is soaring, and our goal is in sight," was the announcement made by Sharon Curhan, Campaign Co-Chair at the recent All Volunteers meeting of the B’Emunah: Eternal Excellence Endowment Campaign. "Our campaign volunteers are reporting progress at all levels, and the members of Temple Emunah are ‘Answering the Call’ to participate, helping us to raise nearly $3.4 million in pledges so far," reported Curhan. She went on to note that, "We’re doing well to meet our goal of strengthening the Synagogue’s programs and securing the long-term future of our congregation, but to wholly succeed, we need the support and participation of every family in our congregation."

THE CAMPAIGN IS ON

ANSWER THE CALL

Thirteen Campaign Volunteers came together one cold, snowy night in December to discuss the progress of the campaign. Rabbi Lerner led with an evocative D’Var Torah. Jon Hirschtick, Campaign Co-Chair, enthusiastically relayed the results of the dozen plus requests for funds and appointments that took place over the previous 2 weeks.

• $3,396,000 has been raised so far

• There are 150 members assigned to 20 active volunteers

• 80 requests for funds have been made to date

• 22 members are still considering their gift

• 12 “Legacy Gifts” have been made, with 18 more being considered

• Every member will be called upon to participate

Gil Ettinger reported that the hardest part is setting the initial meeting. Jon Hirschtick said “It’s really just a matter of getting to people and letting them know the Campaign is On. Once we’re in front of them, we’re warmly received. The trick is getting them to Answer the Call.”

USE OF ENDOWMENT FUNDS

The Campaign is designed to establish a permanent endowment fund. The income from the endowment will:

● Secure programs and services

● Help maintain the Synagogue

● Allow strategic introduction of new programs

● Keep dues at reasonable levels and continue offering assistance to those in need

WAYS TO GIVE

WAYS TO SAY 'THANKS'

Debbie Sheldon, a member of the recognition committee, noted “there are 2 forms of giving, cash and deferred. Cash gifts can be paid over a period of years. All commitments at any level to the campaign will be recognized in perpetuity, and there are name dedications of programs and facilities. We are pleased to announce the eminent ‘Tenenbaum Family Pre-School Director,’ the ‘Sheldon Camp Scholarships’ and the ‘Rubenstein Conference Room.’ A number of members have also subscribed classrooms, Mezuzot throughout the Synagogue, and just recently the Sukkah was subscribed. Recognition is much more than personal satisfaction or ego gratification -- It demonstrates the depth of our feeling for and commitment to Temple Emunah. It serves as an example of our values in life and is an enduring mark for our children and grandchildren.” Roberto Tenenbaum, Honorary Chair, noted “As we humbly stand on the shoulders of previous giant patrons of our Synagogue, I hope that our gift will instill the same in future generations."

Deferred commitments or “Legacy Gifts“ are being accepted with an array of vehicles to facilitate a win-win situation between the donor, the Internal Revenue Service - and Temple Emunah. The campaign encourages commitments as simple as a bequest and as sophisticated as a Charitable Gift Annuity (an option that allows you to maintain a source of income from your gift). “Planned Giving is no longer just something you do in your will.” said Joe Nissenbaum, Advisory Council Chair. Nissenbaum said, “Who would have thought you could make a gift to Emunah, get a charitable deduction, all the while maintaining an income for life?” Mo Diamant, Advisory Council Chair, added “It has never been easier to make a ‘complex’ gift to Emunah and maximize the $$$ you want to pass on to your children – not to Uncle Sam. A call to your financial advisor and reviewing the campaign’s Planned Giving options can really open your eyes to what’s out there.”

Legacy Gifts will be recognized in our permanent recognition as follows:

Manhigim (leaders)	$ 250,000+
Shomirim (guardians) )	$100,000+
Amudim (pillars)	$50,000+
Meyasdim (founders)	$25,000+
Givirim (benefactors)	$10,000+
Tomkhim (supporters)	(Gifts that cannot be valued)

Please allow Temple Emunah to be a part of your estate planning by contacting the campaign office (781) 861-0300 ext. 29, for more information.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: This is the third installment of our campaign news. Our goal is to keep you up-to-date about the progress of the campaign and to involve you in this effort. If you have questions or comments, please contact any of the individuals who serve in leadership roles in the Endowment Campaign, the campaign office at (781) 861-0300, ext. 29 or