Nearly 200 community members, young and old alike, joined As One for The Big Give, UJF’s annual day of phone-a-thon fundraising, philanthropic and learning opportunities, fun family activities, and community building.

 

Volunteers spent the day making fundraising calls to current and past UJF donors, to tell them about this year’s exciting $100,000 matching-gift opportunity, made possible by Melody and Claude Bernstein and Howard and Gayle Rothman, and to invite them to take part in building and strengthening our Jewish community.

 

Big Give Co-Chair Robin Fischel stated, “The Big Give was truly a spectacular day. From the family fun and the book discussion with Janice Kaplan, to a vital discussion with our own elected officials, the buzz and excitement at UJF was palpable.” 

 

Big Give Co-Chair Toby Lazarus added, “What was even more important, were the calls being made by our volunteers and the mitzvahs of ‘giving’ being completed by our donors. To ensure a flourishing Jewish community, we must ensure a flourishing Jewish Federation.”

 

With a master balloon-twister, face painters, arts and crafts activity stations, and a surprise gift for each, over fifty children came out to enjoy the Family Fun portion of the day.

 

Nearly twenty knowledge-seekers, looking to expand their understanding of how connection between mind and body can be harnessed to create joy and happiness, came to hear author Janice Kaplan speak about her new book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness.

 

Dozens more attended a very informative Connecticut Capitol Update with State Senator Ryan Fazzio and State Representative Matt Blumenthal, hosted by UJF’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC).

 

Over 150 Dignity Grows bags were packed by community volunteers, providing essential grooming and personal hygiene supplies for women and girls in need.

Thank you to our 2025 Big Give Co-Chairs, Robin Fischel and Toby Lazarus!

Thank you to our 2025 Big Give Sponsors!

-        Gold Phone Sponsors:

o   Toby Lazarus and Allan Lichtenberg

o   Bruce Newman

-        Silver Phone Sponsors:

o   Russell L. Abrahms CPA

o   Robin & Jason Fischel

o   Ellen & Richard Weber

-        Bronze Phone Sponsors:

o   Taly & Trevor Farber and Family

o   Linda Hurwitz & Richard Fine

o   Edith Samers & Ed Smith (in honor of Bernie Samers)

-        Family Sponsors:

o   Sharon Kaplow

o   Julie & Solomon Rose

-        In-Kind Sponsors:

o   Beldotti Bakery

o   Ricotta

o   Six Thirteen