What happens when you mix the holiday spirit of Hanukkah with the excitement of bingo and a strong sense of community? You raise $1,000 for the International Service Fund (ISF) while bringing people together for a night of fun and giving!

The Malev, Wise, and NCJW Hanukkah Party and Bingo Night Fundraiser was a standout event sponsored by NCJW and held in collaboration with BBYO’s Malev and Wise chapters. From festive treats to competitive bingo rounds, the evening captured the joy of Hanukkah while emphasizing the importance of community and tzedakah.

“Our Bingo Hanukkah Party was a huge success,” said Vera Jacobs. “Thanks to NCJW and our partnership with Wise, we brought the Jewish community together for a night filled with fun, connection, and holiday spirit.”

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Why the ISF Matters

At the heart of this event was a shared purpose: supporting BBYO’s International Service Fund. The ISF empowers Jewish teens by providing:

• Need-Based Scholarships: Helping teens worldwide participate in international BBYO programs.
• Charitable Donations: Supporting causes selected by BBYO’s Executive Body.
• Crisis Response: Providing aid during global emergencies.

“BBYO helps teens grow as leaders and strengthen their Jewish identities,” said Marz during the event’s introduction. “By signing up for this event, you’re investing in a brighter, stronger Jewish future.”

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How They Made It Happen

The fundraiser was a blueprint for success, demonstrating how creativity and collaboration can bring a vision to life. “Our event succeeded because of community connections,” Vera explained. “A grant covered much of our costs, and partnering with local Jewish organizations helped us reach a wider audience.”

The team also used multiple fundraising strategies. “We sold latkes, sufganiyot, and concessions, charged a registration fee, and offered premium bingo cards,” Vera added. “The real key was showing people how their money supports the global Jewish community.”

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Event Highlights

1. Engaging Programming: The event featured ten bingo rounds, including blackout games with prizes like Beats headphones and a Sam Saltz t-shirt.
2. Festive Atmosphere: Attendees enjoyed Hanukkah treats while celebrating as a community.
3. Creative Fundraising: Registration fees, concessions, and bingo cards helped the team reach their $1,000 goal.

During the event, Marz reminded attendees, “BBYO’s programs—like summer leadership camps and trips to Israel—are life-changing, but they aren’t free. That’s why the ISF is so important.”

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A Recipe for Success

The success of this event is a testament to what’s possible when a chapter dreams big and works together. Whether it’s through a bingo night, or another creative idea, fundraising for the ISF is a tangible way to support the Jewish future.

This event serves as inspiration for chapters and regions looking to fundraise for the ISF. As Vera put it: “Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Good luck to anyone planning their own fundraiser!”

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Let’s keep the spirit of Hanukkah alive year-round—lighting the way for Jewish teens and empowering the next generation through the ISF! Kol hakavod to Lonestar, Wise, and Malev! We can’t wait to see what chapter fundraising looks like in the future and how the ISF continues to grow.