MARCH 11 • 2021 | 5

guest column
Built for This Moment: Federation’s 
Super Sunday Returns This Sunday
I

t’s hard to believe that a 
year has passed.
For 12 long months we 
have gone without the daily 
interactions and 
connections 
that are essen-
tial to our lives. 
 
 
 
And beyond 
the serious 
health threat 
of the virus, 
thousands of 
Jewish Detroiters continue to 
experience mounting finan-
cial, social and emotional 
hardships. 
We have also seen incredi-
ble generosity, bold thinking 
and triumphs on every level 
in response to the myriad 
challenges. Sadly, we must also 
acknowledge and mourn those 
who died this year as a result 
of the pandemic. I myself 
lost three close relatives to 
COVID-related illnesses. May 
the memories of those we lost 
be for a blessing. 
As a Jewish communal 
professional, I have watched 
as the steady rhythms of our 
communal life have been dis-
rupted. While many programs 
and events were successfully 
translated to Zoom, several 
of our most cherished annual 
traditions were put on hold. 
Super Sunday, Federation’s 
day of outreach and fund-
raising, was one such event. 
Scheduled for spring of last 
year, we canceled the event 
to focus on the urgent priori-
ties that emerged early in the 
pandemic.

I’m excited to announce 
that Super Sunday is return-
ing on March 14!
Far more than just a fund-
raiser, Super Sunday is a day 
when staff and volunteers 
from Federation and its part-
ner organizations work side 
by side — usually with a cup 

of coffee, a bagel and a smile. 
Our goal is to strengthen 
the single most important 
vehicle we have to ensure 
the welfare of our commu-
nity: Federation’s Annual 
Campaign. Our Super 
Sunday volunteers will be 
gathering on Zoom, physi-
cally distant but no less spir-
ited as we make calls to our 
community. This year’s effort 
is dedicated to securing the 
resources we will need to 

ensure the continued health 
and welfare of the commu-
nity throughout the duration 
of the pandemic and beyond. 
Our 2021 Campaign theme 
is Built for This Moment, 
reflecting the critical impor-
tance of Federation’s role as 
the leader of the commu-

nity-wide response to the 
pandemic. 

AIDING THE VULNERABLE
In addition to our unique abil-
ity to raise and distribute crit-
ical resources, we also stand at 
the hub of a coordinated net-
work of services that support 
vulnerable individuals and 
maintain the essential fabric of 
Jewish life in our community. 
As we look toward the end 
of this crisis, our charge is to 

move forward without leaving 
behind those most affected by 
the pandemic.

More than 7,000 Jewish 
Detroiters have already 
donated to the 2021 Annual 
Campaign. This Sunday, we 
will be reaching out to thou-
sands more in order to reach 
our fundraising goals. 
For those who are able to 
support our efforts, thank 
you for taking the call. As 
someone who works closely 
with our community agen-
cies and organizations, I 
can personally attest to the 
fact that every single dollar 
raised makes a difference to 
those in need and helps build 
a stronger community for all. 
And for those who may be 
struggling, please know that 
your Jewish community is 
here for you. Reaching out to 
JHELP, our one-stop site for 
information on services, is a 
simple first step (visit jhelp.
org for more information).
As always, I want to con-
clude on a note of gratitude. 
The work of the Jewish 
Federation is only made pos-
sible through the generosity 
and leadership of our com-
munity members. Thank you 
all for your extraordinary 
commitment to Federation 
and Jewish Detroit.
I look forward to talking 
to you on Sunday! 

Steven Ingber is Chief Operating 

Officer of the Jewish Federation of 

Metropolitan Detroit. Community 

members can donate at jewishdetroit.

org/supersunday.

Steven 
Ingber

“EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR RAISED 
MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO THOSE 
IN NEED AND HELPS BUILD 
A STRONGER COMMUNITY 
FOR ALL.”

PURELY COMMENTARY

