Sam Redmond fundraising for South Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

I have always known that I want to help others. As Churchill says, a life can only be made through giving. From this belief, I became involved in the South Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation (SPJTF) beginning last year. This organization is amazing because it is comprised of 23 Jewish teenagers with a common cause of repairing the world. Over the course of a year, we raise money and make grants to non-profits around the globe that directly help people in need.

Initially, all of the board members met and shared ideas with one another at a retreat in the fall, where we spent time listening to guest speakers and thinking about how our personal efforts could make a substantive difference in the lives of others. We used consensus to decide on a mission statement that would drive our fundraising efforts and allocations. This year, our goal is to “fund programs that provide and support the advocacy of health and shelter for disadvantaged populations including, but not limited to, those in the Bay Area and Israel. Our focus will be on programs that empower individuals to help themselves.”

You could help us help others by donating to the SPJTF. All of the funds we raise go directly to those we are trying to help, so your benefaction will be well spent. Any donation you make is tax deductible, and will be doubled with our $11,000 matching grant. Even though times are tough in America, there is always someone less fortunate whose life could be greatly improved by your efforts and generosity. Donations could range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, but you should feel free to pledge whatever you are comfortable with.

Last year, the SPJTF raised $61,000 for global non-profits. Donations from people just like you brought a library to an elementary school in Uganda, funded after-school educational opportunities for disadvantaged teenagers in the Bay Area, provided educational funds for 102 rural Nepalese children, and installed solar panels for light, electricity, and radio and computer use in a primary school in Tanzania. Your contributions can make an astounding impact.

This year, I’ve returned to this wonderful program as part of the Leadership Council. In addition to the regular fundraising process, I also get to practice my leadership and consensus skills while running meetings. It is great to return for another year of ‘tikkun olam,’ or repairing the world, and I have the privilege of guiding the development of our first-years into life-long philanthropists.

Hopefully, this year we will be able to reach our group financial goal of $72,000, which will greatly enhance the lives of thousands of people. Personally, I would like to fundraise $2,000 because I believe strongly in the cause we are fighting for. I’m even donating $100 of my own money to the cause. The money this year will go to local and international organizations that will help others help themselves by making sure they are healthy and empowered.

Thank you for your generosity,

Sam Redmond