For the second year in a row, Jewish Long Beach is hosting “36 Hours of Jewish Long Beach and the Alpert JCC,” a multimedia fundraising drive and celebration of Jewish Long Beach’s impact on the Long Beach and West Orange County communities. During the 36 Hours, all gifts up to a total of $100,000 will be matched by a group of remarkable supporters, producing the potential for a $200,000 total impact. The clock starts counting at 8:30 a.m. on June 23, 2021.
This year, for the first time, 36 Hours of Jewish Long Beach will benefit both Jewish Long Beach and the Barbara and Ray Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC), which are in the process of integrating to form a single agency serving the Jewish and broader Long Beach-area communities.
36 Hours of Jewish Long Beach and the Alpert JCC will raise funds for the organization’s annual Lighting the Way Forward appeal, which funds community grants, the development of emerging leaders, early childhood education programs, services for seniors and other vulnerable populations, and programs fostering Jewish life locally and beyond.
The conclusion of the 36-hour fundraising fanfare coincides with Jewish Long Beach Men’s Philanthropy’s seventh annual Above and Beyond event, which this year is co-hosted by Jewish Long Beach’s Alpert New Leaders Forum and the Lentzner Fellows Program. Above and Beyond 2021 will be held in person, at the Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus on Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m.
“Last year, our first-ever 36 Hours of Jewish Long Beach far exceeded our expectations,” said Jewish Long Beach CEO Zach Benjamin. “This year, we’re doubling down with a $100,000 match that we’ve secured from some of our most committed supporters in order to advance programs serving Jewish and broader populations throughout Long Beach, West Orange County, and beyond. Stay tuned to social media, e-mail, and your smart phone for Jewish Long Beach impact stories and information on how you can invest in the difference we seek to make for our community.” Jewish Long Beach is grateful to its matching supporters, Amy and Rich Lipeles, Bernard Natelson and Lisa Raufman-Natelson, Richard Wolpow, and Barry and Rita Zamost.
Above and Beyond is an evening of fun, kosher tailgate fare (catered by L’Chaim Kosher Catering), and a chance to celebrate together in person.
It’s not just about the food either! The featured speaker for the evening is Geoff Schwartz, former NFL offensive lineman, author, and sports commentator. Geoff co-authored “Eat My Schwartz,” along with his brother Mitchell Schwartz, starting right tackle of the Kansas City Chiefs. The memoir chronicles their lives from early childhood to their tenure in the NFL, discussing NFL football, food, family and their faith.
Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorships are available. Register online at https://events.idonate.com/aboveandbeyond2021, or call Yolanda Placencio at 562.426.7601 ext. 1314. You can also mail a check, made payable to Jewish Long Beach.
Jewish Long Beach serves the Jewish and broader communities through strategic grant-making, development of emerging leaders, advocacy, and management of the community’s philanthropic funds. The organization awards over $500,000 in grants annually to nonprofit