This week we humbly asked for your support of our campaign to raise $170,000 in 36 hours. We are pleased to share with you that the campaign was successful. This is important to us on many levels. Firstly, these funds constitute over one third of our annual budget, so the success of the effort gives us a considerable lead on our fundraising for the rest of the year.
But what is even more meaningful to us is, that 220 donor households were moved by the Chabad of Louisiana story sufficiently to participate in the campaign. The group of donors included current members of the New Orleans Jewish community, former New Orleanians who retain a warm spot in their heart for Chabad of Louisiana, visitors to our city who benefitted from Chabad’s hospitality over the years, and businesspeople that regularly come through Chabad when they are in town. 220 individuals who are entrusting us with their investment to ensure the continuity of Jewish life in the Greater New Orleans region.
That’s a lot of love. Our narrative throughout this campaign has been, that Chabad is about relationships. Our 8 matching donor households, and the 220 contributing donor households, have demonstrated that they appreciate those relationships, and they reciprocated by sending their love our way!
The funds are critical. But the love that accompanied them is extremely uplifting. I wish to share with you a sampling of the messages we received.
“I am grateful to be able to make a token contribution to your amazing life changing organization. Much love!”
“I am grateful for your friendship and the opportunities Chabad creates in our community. ”
“Thanks for your hard work serving the community!”
“Wonderful to hear from you and keep spreading your amazing light!!”
“We miss you guys! And we are happy to tell you that you make a difference to help the Jewish people! The Rebbe was correct! He wanted to send his Shluchim all over the world so they could make a difference! And what a difference you and your family have made in Louisiana!!”
This is what it is all about. It is love that binds us to Hashem and to each other. Thank you for the love! #Heart.Soul.Community.
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin
PS If you did not have a chance to participate in the campaign, it is never too late to partner with us to ensure that the work goes on! www.chabadneworleans.com/