The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) will hold its annual youth philanthropy fair, the B’nai Tzedek Shuk, to introduce teenagers to tzedakah by inviting them to establish their own personal charitable giving accounts at the Foundation.
The fair will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Campus (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211).
Once a year, B’nai Tzedek teen fundholders may donate 10% of their funds to a Jewish charity, either locally or in Israel. The Shuk gives fundholders the opportunity to learn about the missions of community organizations and how their donations can make a positive impact. In many instances, the Shuk is the first time teens are introduced to the array of organizations working in the community.
The Shuk is planned by the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council, a cadre of teens that works together to engage their peers in philanthropy. For this year’s Shuk, the council chose a theme based on the streaming service Netflix and has incorporated its branding and language into the event. The primary message of the Shuk, “Philanthropy: Rated E for Everyone,” emphasizes that all people, regardless of their age or financial capacity, can give back and make a difference in the world.
“When the council was choosing what we wanted our theme to be this year, we wanted to make sure that it was going to be something that was fun and interesting for all ages,” said Elia Ellis, B’nai Tzedek Youth Council member.
At the event, teens will spend time visiting the booths of communal organizations where they will meet with representatives and learn how each organization serves the community. Afterward, guests will be invited to socialize and have a complimentary Vaad-supervised and kid-approved light dinner. Dippin’ Dots, a kosher ice cream treat, will also be available. Anyone who wants to learn more about this program is welcome to attend, and as an added incentive, there will be a drawing to win a free B’nai Tzedek account. All current B’nai Tzedek fundholders who register in advance and attend will be given the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
“Coming to the Shuk is a great way for teens to connect with the mitzvah of giving tzedakah while being able to spend time with their friends and have fun,” said Youth Council member Norah Pabst.
More information and registration are available online at jcfkc.org/Shuk or by contacting Suzanne Galblum Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or .
The Foundation thanks the following supporters of the B’nai Tzedek program: The Bertha S. and Ida E. Adelson Memorial Fund; Rita and Irwin Blitt; The Philip and Dorothy Byer Philanthropic Fund; The Community Legacy Fund; The Flo Harris Supporting Foundation; Ron and Susie Goldsmith; The Alan and Judy Kosloff Philanthropic Fund; The Lowenstein Family Supporting Foundation; Bob and Barbara Palan; The Sosland Foundation; and The White Family Supporting Foundation.