By Alyssa Kevelson
JFLV Donor Relations Intern

Have you been donating to the Jewish Federation for 25 years or more? Welcome to the Silver Circle!

The Silver Circle is a newly launched recognition society to honor these long-time donors for their dedication and commitment to Jews in the Lehigh Valley, in Israel and around the world in the past, present and future.    

As noted in the January HAKOL, I am in the process of interviewing more than 400 of these Silver Circle members in an effort to learn more about who they are and what has motivated them to support the Federation for over a quarter of a century. I will be reporting my findings as I uncover them. A few observations from my first conversations:

• Many Silver Circle members have maintained an active involvement in the Jewish community over the years by committing themselves to helping and supporting in any way they can. Some have held leadership positions in organizations such as Hadassah, the JCC and local synagogues while others have given their time to Friendship Circle, Jewish Family Service and more. 
• We have donors who are Holocaust survivors or children of survivors, individuals who witnessed Israel declare its statehood, and others who have traveled the world advocating on behalf of Israel and the global Jewish community. 
• In addition to their involvement in bettering Jewish life, many of these longtime donors have given additional support to other organizations such as Lehigh Valley Hospital, the Red Cross, United Way and the Allentown Arts Museum. 

These members all have their own unique stories and experiences which have shaped their desire to support the Federation, but the one thing they all share is an amazing passion for the longevity and future strength of the Jewish community. This is only the beginning of our efforts to speak with our long-time donor base, but it has already shown the impressive backgrounds, character and enthusiasm which each individual possesses. 

We look forward to honoring the major commitments of these donors and formally thanking those who have already helped us accomplish so much. 

If you are one of these donors and haven’t heard from me yet, expect a call soon!