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The Big Give – Answer the Call!

United Jewish Federation of Stamford New Canaan and Darien (UJF) will once again hold “The Big Give” – formerly known as “Super Sunday” – on October 19, beginning at 9:30 am at the UJF office at 2009 Summer Street, Suite 302 in Stamford. Event Co-Chairs Robin Fischel and Toby Lazarus are thrilled to lead this annual event, bringing together the community for a day of fun, philanthropy, and education. The Big Give is a day when volunteers, partner organizations, and staff all unite to build and strengthen the community, while raising essential funds for both local and global Jewish needs. 

“I’m honored to work alongside Robin Fischel as Co-Chair of The Big Give,” said Toby Lazarus. “This day is an important opportunity to strengthen our community, and I’m grateful to play a role in making it meaningful and successful for everyone involved.”

The funds obtained via the Big Give event are part of the overall annual campaign which supports programs and projects that strengthen and unite the Jewish community, As One. Much like a firehouse, on-call round-the-clock and ready to respond when needed, a healthy and robust Federation means that crises can be effectively confronted, and local needs are swiftly addressed whenever they arise. 

“We will have lots of opportunities for volunteers to help with The Big Give phone-a-thon, and there will also be Family Fun time from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, featuring a balloon artist, face-painting, crafts, and PJ Library activities,” said UJF Board member and Big Give Co-Chair Robin Fischel. “We’ll also have a Dignity Grows packing project and several interesting educational opportunities for folks to broaden their understanding of how our efforts impact our community.” 

Each year, the local youth play a BIG role in The Big Give. Children are encouraged to collect tzedakah and complete Mitzvah Bingo Cards, which will be distributed at local Jewish schools and are also available at the UJF office. Any child who brings in a completed bingo card or tzedakah they have collected will receive a special surprise gift from UJF. Simply bring either or both to the UJF office on Sunday, October 19, or anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday the week before. 

UJF Deputy Director Eric Ross added, “We have three new components to add some extra excitement to the day for the whole community! During these trying times, action is a powerful way to uplift our spirits. Please, come join us, As One, to participate in The Big Give on October 19. ” The new additions are:

  • 4:00-5:00 pm: Community Read with author Janice Kaplan, discussing her book What Your Body Knows About Happiness - How to Use Your Body To Change Your Mind.

  • 5:00-6:00 pm: Connecticut Capitol Update with State Senator Ryan Fazzio and State Representative Matt Blumenthal, hosted by UJF’s Jewish Community Relations Council.

  • UJF’s first-ever “BIG Jewish Book GIVEaway” - Stop by throughout the day to add some fantastic new reads to your personal library.

To register for The Big Give, visit www.ujf.org/bg25 or scan the QR code below. For a detailed list of the projects supported by UJF’s 2025 Annual Campaign for CommUNITY Impact, please visit www.ujf.org/Give. 

If you’d like to volunteer or have any questions about The Big Give, contact UJF Deputy Director Eric Ross at eric@ujf.org or (203) 321-1373.