NextGen is bringing the Jewish young adult community together for good. On Saturday, more than 300 young professionals gathered for the first Annual NextGen Jewish Philanthropy Showcase.  The event, hosted at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, showcased the important work being accomplished by Federation in collaboration with its community partners, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Jewish Family Service (JFS), and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). 

This event was focused on volunteerism, and giving back. The gala attendees had the opportunity to make both a monetary contribution to Federation’s campaign, and a pledge of their time to 13 of participating community partners. We’re proud to share that more than 305 volunteer commitments were made!

Simone Abelsohn, NextGen Chair and Federation Board Member said “I loved seeing our vision of The Showcase come to fruition! Having our NextGen partners and community together in one room learning new and inspiring ways to get involved and help create a stronger San Diego Jewish Community just warmed my heart.  Wow, what a feeling!”

Chaired by Amanda Wachter and hosted by David Bramzon, the program shined the spotlight to three of Federation’s community partners, JFS, FIDF and JDC Entwine, who presented on the work they accomplish both locally and abroad, and the myriad of opportunities t to get involved.

Following the presentations, comedian Joel Chasnoff capped off the evening with a half hour of shtick that touched on everything from Jewish mothers to Jewish day school. 

The Showcase was both the embodiment of our role in the community and the kick off of the new NextGen initiative.  Its goal is simple: to help San Diegan young adults meet and build relationships with Jewish community, while encouraging them to explore their own Jewish identity in ways that are personal and meaningful to them. 

Want to learn more? Check out the NextGen Website here.

You can also like us on Facebook here, and see even more event photos here, and even more here.