The Northwest Division of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona has launched a special campaign called “The Next Step” to support its expansion to larger premises and operation of The Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life.
The center’s new facility now in use at 180 W. Magee Road, Suite 140, doubles its space from its former digs in the same plaza, allowing for events of up to 100 people, with administrative areas separate from the event area, an office for the director, and urgently needed security and technology lacking at the former site. The facility has been configured to the Federation’s specifications and is ADA compliant. The new space has been leased for five to seven years, says Alan Kendal, chair of the Northwest Division Advisory Council. “It is considered a stepping stone to a permanent facility that is envisioned to be one of the main foundations for the vibrant Jewish community developing rapidly in Northwest Tucson,” he adds.
“The Next Step” campaign invites supporters to take advantage of a grant that will match up to $40,000 for pledges totaling $500 or more, to be paid over two years, or for $1,000 or more to be paid over four years. Pledges can be fulfilled in a tax-advantageous way by many persons over 70 years of age directing funds from their IRA. Pledges for credit card payments (e.g. $18 a month for 36 months) also will qualify. The matching funding, which comes from two anonymous donors, expires after Oct. 27. “Of course, smaller donations that do not qualify for matching funds are very much appreciated,” says Helene Mittleman, vice co-chair of the Northwest Division, and will contribute to the goal of raising $100,000 to be invested by the Jewish Community Foundation and used as needed over the coming years for the Olson Center for Jewish Life.
To make a donation, visit www.jfsa.org/nwnextstep.
