Teen Philanthropists Celebrate Ten Years of Giving

Over 600 people were in attendance as the Jewish Community Youth Foundation (JCYF) celebrated its ten year anniversary at its annual Philanthropy Fair and Check Presentation Ceremony, held March 3 at West Windsor Plainsboro High School South. A total of $72,000 was distributed to 29 programs by 162 area teens representing 12 Middle Schools, 21 High Schools and 17 Synagogues.

JCYF is a teen philanthropy program administered by Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County, the Ricky and Andrew J. Shechtel Philanthropic Fund, and the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks.

Alison Berg of Princeton Junction, a Junior at the University of Michigan and a 2010 JCYF graduate, won the third annual JCYF Distinguished Alumni Award for her commitment to the Jewish community and her participation in many philanthropic and community service activities. She received a $360 award which she will donate to sponsor fellow JCYF alumna Erica Borsack of West Windsor as she participates in the NYC Aquaphor Triathlon for Team OneFamily, which helps victims of terrorist attacks in Israel rebuild their lives. When asked about her time in JCYF, Alison stated that "the Jewish Community Youth Foundation was the best high school experience that I had and has lasted me long past graduation."

The night also highlighted JCYF's tenth anniversary. Naomi Skop Richter, a Program Associate at the Jewish Teen Funders Network stated that "The Jewish Community Youth Foundation Check Presentation Ceremony exemplified the power of Jewish youth philanthropy. It is thrilling to see how many teens and non-profits have been reached by the Jewish Community Youth Foundation over its 10 years. The Jewish Teen Funders Network holds up JCYF as a model for Jewish educators around North America inspiring them to bring Jewish youth philanthropy to their teens."

Since its inception, 357 JCYF participants have donated $463,745 to 53 Jewish programs. The recipients include local, national, and Israeli charitable organizations supporting many different needs throughout the Jewish community. The event ended by honoring the 34 JCYF graduating seniors. Stefanie Wisotsky of West Windsor stated, "I know that I will continue using everything I have learned from JCYF and philanthropy will always be a priority in my life."

For more information regarding the Jewish Community Youth Foundation, please contact Celeste Albert at 609-987-8100 or celestea@jfcsonline.org or visit our website at www.jfcsonline.org/jcyf.