Portland BBYO teens help national organization donate $52,000 to JDC

By Jewish Review

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Members of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization recently donated $52,000 to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

Raised by students, the funds went primarily to JDC’s AMEN initiative—a program that engages Israeli teens in volunteer service.

“After donating the money we fundraised to JDC last year, we feel like we have made a difference in the lives of many Israelis,” said Marissa Westbrook, a BBYO member from Portland. “It’s important for us to have a connection to the greater Jewish population as part of BBYO, and by donating to this cause in particular, we have helped make progress in the Jewish world.”

While BBYO teens have long been dedicated to philanthropy, the plight of Israelis affected by the Lebanon War last summer prompted the teens to use some of its 2006-2007 Schusterman International Service Fund to support rebuilding efforts in northern Israel.

“In February of 2006, the International BBYO Execs Body voted to support the JDC as our recipient for ISF for the 2006-2007 programming year and again for the 2007-2008 programming year,” said Westbrook.  “The Evergreen Region (including Portland) has always supported International BBYO ISF initiatives.”

The funds, raised over the past year by thousands of students nationwide exceeded the students’ initial goal by more than $10,000. Teens organized bake sales, dance-a-thons, car washes and other projects.

“This year, Portland BBYO has been raising money through various activities like working concession booths at a Jewish art show at Neveh Shalom and baking challah bread to sell at the JCC,” said Portland’s Westbrook, Evergreen region mazkirah (secretary). “We have meetings every Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. for Jewish youth in grades 8-12.”

“The amount BBYO raised is remarkable in and of itself, but it is even more inspiring to know that it was accomplished by youth who dedicated themselves throughout the year. The donation will make a huge impact on vulnerable populations in Israel,” said Abby Pitkowsky, the Director of Jewish Education and Global Programs for JDC.

With this gift, BBYO has renewed JDC as the recipient organization of its social justice efforts—an expression of tikkun olam. As part of this partnership, monies raised in the current academic year will be applied to another realm of JDC projects yet to be determined.