Donors to Jewish Federation Help Keep Community Strong in Wake of Global Pandemic by Contributing $33.1M in Annual Campaign

Raise an additional $15,416,989 for Jewish Cleveland’s Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that $33,105,529 has been raised by more than 12,000 donors representing 8,701 gifts in the 2021 Campaign for Jewish Needs, the annual fundraising campaign that serves Jewish Cleveland and the global community. Additionally, through a match opportunity from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, the community raised $1,000,000 for the Jewish Cleveland’s Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund, contributing to a grand total of $15,416,989 toward this COVID relief effort to date. These totals were shared at the virtual Campaign Closing Celebration on December 9.

“To say Jewish Cleveland is a special community would be putting it mildly,” said Bradley A. Sherman, general chair of the 2021 Campaign for Jewish Needs. “It’s remarkable that, in a year filled with challenges and barriers not seen in generations, our community was able to stay connected and work together to raise the same record amount as we raised a year ago and ensure all those who are hurting right now continue to get the care and support they desperately need. On behalf of all those whose lives will be improved by this amazing communal support, I cannot begin to thank everyone who donated to this year’s Campaign enough.”

“Conducting a successful campaign during a global pandemic is a major accomplishment and speaks volumes to the commitment to one another and to the future that permeates our diverse Jewish community,” said J. David Heller, Federation board chair. “It also is a testament to the strength and dedication of our volunteers, led by Bradley Sherman, who guided this Campaign in uncertain times with dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm.”

Sherman will remain general chair for next year’s Campaign for Jewish Needs. In this volunteer role, he is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and strategy for the Federation’s annual fundraising effort.

In addition to highlighting the community’s various accomplishments of the 2021 Campaign, virtual attendees also recognized Cameron and Dayna Orlean, recipients of the 2020 Ambassador Milton A. and Roslyn Z. Wolf Young Campaigner of the Year Award.

For more information about the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Campaign for Jewish Needs, visit www.jewishcleveland.org.