SAN DIEGO–To kick off its centennial year, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has announced its $37 Million Centennial Countdown Campaign.
The campaign includes a $20 million commitment from the Rady Family Foundation, including up to $17 million available in one-to-one matching funds. The Rady Family Foundation’s gift is the largest known commitment to a Jewish community organization in San Diego and one of the most significant nationally.
“We are deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of Jewish Family Service because of the critical role it plays in the lives of tens of thousands of people of all faiths and backgrounds across San Diego County – and we challenge the community to join us in supporting this vital resource long into the future,” said Ernest and Evelyn Rady. “Together, we can make sure JFS never has to tell someone in need, ‘We can’t drive you to your doctor’s appointment, or provide you with a hot meal, or offer counseling to get you through this rough patch,’ because the agency doesn’t have the necessary resources.”
Founded in 1918, JFS is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies, working directly to assist more than 25,000 people annually. Funds raised will support JFS’s commitment to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen the San Diego community. JFS is one of only four refugee resettlement agencies in the county, serves as the largest provider of senior transportation services, provides 80,000 hot nutritious meals annually, fosters teen leadership and youth mentorship, offers employment and career services, and much more.
“During our 100th year, we honor the agency’s history and notable accomplishments, but our main focus is on the next 100 years of service and how we can empower more San Diegans to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “We are incredibly grateful to the Radys for their significant and long-time support of JFS, including Evelyn’s 17 years as JFS’s head of counseling and this generous matching donation. The community has begun to rally in support of the campaign.”
JFS’s Centennial Countdown Campaign has already received gifts from 31 donors for over $8.6 million in contributions, for a total of more than $20.3 million raised to date.
All cash gifts made to the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, as will all bequests confirmed by those age 70 or older. The matching challenge will remain in effect until the goal is realized or the end of the campaign in November 2020.
To learn more about the Centennial Countdown Campaign, or contribute a matched donation, visit www.jfssd.org.