Jewish Federation Takes Hi-Tech Fundraising Step

March 7, 2005

The Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey is giving the concept of giving a 21st century makeover.  The non-profit organization is auctioning off tzedakah boxes created by 10 New Jersey artists, on the popular online auction site, eBay.  The one-week auction is aimed not only at raising funds for Federation programs, but at awareness of those programs and the crucial work of the Federation.

The eBay auction project is being launched across the nation by the United Jewish Communities, umbrella organization for all 155 Federations in the nation, but Central New Jersey is the first Federation to actually put the tzedakah boxes online, and into the hands of whoever makes the highest bid. “The eBay auction is exciting,” says Federation Executive Vice President Stanley Stone, “because it gives us a chance to get the word out, in an innovative and creative way, about how the Federation makes a real difference in both our local community, and to needy Jews around the globe.”  Artist Joanie Schwarz Rosenthal says she feels lucky to be part of such a “cutting-edge” project that will give anyone, anywhere in the world, a chance to obtain a beautiful piece of art that “will also serve as a constant reminder of the Jewish concept of being responsible for all those in need.”

The eBay auction will be launched Thursday, March 10, at 4:30 PM, at a reception at Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey’s Scotch Plains campus.  The artists, each of whom has an impressive resume and donated their time and effort to this worthy cause, will be on hand to share their vision and their inspiration for their creations.  Please join us for this event, to hear from the artists and to get a first-hand look at these unique tzedakah boxes, which are currently on display throughout the central New Jersey community.

Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, through its partner agencies locally and worldwide, helps deal with hunger, homelessness, aging, illness, anti-Semitism and danger.