Super Sunday kicks off crucial campaign year

No, it’s not that Super Sunday, but the United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest NJ’s biggest one-day fund-raiser will feature a football game — as well as fun and family activities in support of critical programs in Israel and Jewish life throughout the state.

MetroWest’s Super Sunday, an all-day phonathon, will take place Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany.

This year, Super Sunday will feature a community-wide Hanukka celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Designed for families and especially for children 11 years and younger, the holiday kick-off will include an olive oil press, Music and Movement with Carol Berman, Story Time with PJ Library, a chance to “YouTube Yourself,” Dreidel Trivia, and other games and activities.

New Jersey Jewish News will hold a Hanukka art contest, with the winner’s work to appear in the newspaper.

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At a football party, from 2:30-5:30, fans can watch the Giants play Dallas on the big screen, sponsored by the Young Leadership Division of UJC MetroWest.

And at a special call session for teenagers and college students, from 5 to 8 p.m., young volunteers will be able to earn community service hours and become eligible to win prizes — and be treated to a pizza dinner.

Fund-raising, of course, is the critical part of the day, and this year’s goal is $2 million.

Raising money in a difficult economy may be more challenging this year, according to event cochair Ronald Silbermann. “People in general are suffering from the downturn of the economy and the increase in unemployment,” he said. “Consequently the needs of the communities we support — both locally and around the world — are increasing while the means of our donors, both current and perspective, are declining.”

But, he said, he remains optimistic that the day will be successful and is looking forward to “raising money to help those in need as well as sharing the day with my friends and family.”

For further information about Super Sunday and to volunteer to make calls, visit the Super Sunday website, www.ujcnj.org/supersunday, or contact supersunday@ujcnj.org or 973-929-3010.