J Impact Campaign - Our Annual Appeal

Dear friends,

We want to express our deep gratitude for your unwavering support, trust, and partnership with the Siegel JCC.

2024 was not easy. The unprecedented level of antisemitism kept our community unsettled, fearful, and confused. And the fierce political climate led to increased division.

The distressing events of the past year have underscored the critical importance of our community and the power of our collective impact. Our response to this difficult year was one of compassion. While we faced a variety of challenges, we united with a shared purpose and a commitment to strengthening the connections that bring us together. This spirit made kehillah, or creating community, feel natural. The J truly is a place for everyone.

Together, hundreds of community members supported our annual campaign. These funds made a profound impact, allowing us to continue in our mission to build community, honor Jewish values, welcome diversity, and nurture wellbeing. We were able to address major capital issues including HVAC, roofing, and infrastructure. We prioritized the idea of spreading Jewish joy to members of all ages through social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs. We engaged each generation in repairing the world.

This year, our focus is on tikvah, or hope. Our hope is that the J continues to be a place where people from across our community can feel welcome, safe, and joyful.

Thank you for considering a gift to the 2026 J Impact Campaign today.

Phil Epstein, Co-President
Stacy Horowitz, Co-President
Ivy Harlev, Chief Executive Officer

Make your gift today.

About the Campaign

The J Impact Campaign provides critical funding that enables the J to foster connections that improve lives.

We truly value your support. Donations are tax deductible as the JCC is a recognized 501(c)(3). Our tax ID # is 51-0075823.

We are now accepting pledges toward our J Impact 2025 campaign. Payments on pledges can be made any time before December 31, 2025. To make your pledge, please call (302) 478-5660, email shalom@siegeljcc.org, or stop by the Front Desk.

Why We work at the J

The JTeam is proud to work for an organization with such an urgent mission and storied history. We all strive to build community, honor Jewish values, welcome diversity, and nurture wellbeing.

You can support J staff by making a gift today to the 2025 J Impact Campaign.

We asked our staff why they choose to work at the J, and here are just a few of their answers:

"When I moved to Delaware from California, I didn’t know anyone and was struggling to find both a sense of community as well as a job that fit what I was looking for in my next step. After working in tech for so long, I realized I wanted something more meaningful—something that made a real difference in people’s lives. I never imagined I’d find it all in one place, but that’s exactly what happened when I started working at the J. In my role in marketing, I get to do what I love most: tell stories and shout to the world about all the incredible things happening here. From day one, I’ve felt supported and valued. In the three years I’ve worked here, the J has become so much more than a workplace—it’s truly where I found my place."

Kayla Younker, Marketing & Communications Director

"The JCC is a great place to work because it’s more than just a job... it’s a community. There’s always something happening, from cultural events to holiday celebrations, and the energy is contagious. Working as a teacher in the ECC is amazing, and the support from my coworkers and the relationships I build with the children and families make every day meaningful. It's a place where I can grow as an educator while helping the little ones learn and discover the world around them."

Joey St Pierre, ECC Teacher

"No matter what else is going on in life or in the world at large, the J has truly become a place I look forward to going to every week. It offers me respite, and home away from home vibes and I know that I will leave even happier than when I came in. I am so grateful I get to work at the J."

Talia Goren, Group Exercise Instructor

"This is my third time working for the J. My very first job was in the ECC while I was in high school. I was a camp specialist in college and then returned permanently 18 years ago, while very pregnant with my daughter. The J is my second home. Our staff and members are my extended family. In what other job can you play mahjongg & canasta with such an incredible group of people? I love what I do, and I am so blessed to spend every day here at the J."

Katie Tanzer Glazier, Program Director

"I am so excited to come to work every day with the kindest and most supportive co-workers. The J is a place where I get to play my favorite sport – tennis – with my co-workers and friends. The J will always have a special place in my heart."

Vickie Tully, Human Resources

"As a native Delawarean, the JCC has always been an important part of my life – as a camper, as a parent of campers, and now as a proud staff member. I’m grateful to give back to the place I love, both by working here and by donating. The J is ingrained in my soul, and supporting it helps ensure the JCC keeps going for our community and beyond."

Mardian Berman, Membership Associate

"As an employee of the Siegel JCC for close to 30 years, I have had the opportunity to work in multiple departments and truly know the ins and outs of our community center. In my current role, I truly enjoy helping our staff navigate the benefits that the JCC provides them. The camaraderie of the staff is wonderful, and it is a pleasure to be part of a team that works together so well to provide the best experiences for our members."

Debbie Steinberg, Payroll & Benefits Coordinator

"I love working at the J because it has become extension of my home and family. My kids are growing up around other J members, staff, and their families, participating in programs and events together. Knowing how much your co-workers care about you makes it so much easier to come to work."

Taylor Giles, Membership Director

"I choose to work at the J because I enjoy making a positive impact. It's an energetic environment, and I get to watch children grow and develop."

Jennifer Albanese, ECC Teacher

"Fifteen years ago, I answered an ad in the paper seeking a mature individual who was familiar with pools. I was not sure about the mature part, but I have been around many pools in my life. I contacted the J and was hired for the job. My original plan was just to work one summer. However, it soon became apparent to me that there was great quality in the membership, programs, and staff at the J. Over the years as I became more involved in many aspects of the J, it has become an honor and fun to be a part of something that is so important to this community."

Dave Rahn, Center for Active Living Trip Coordinator

"The Siegel JCC helped 'grow' my family, members for over 30 years! 13 years ago, I was thrust into a dark abyss after the sudden death of my husband Lee Goldstein, a J board member at the time. Somehow the stars aligned, and a loving energy guided me to employment at the J which led to my position at the Front Desk! I am grateful to work in a supportive and purposeful community where respect and kindness are paramount!"

Cindy Goldstein, Member Services Coordinator

"Working at the JCC is a fulfilling experience because of its culture, diversity, and strong sense of community. In the fitness center, I have the opportunity to connect with members, support their wellness goals, and be a meaningful part of their lives. The J has deeply influenced both my career and personal growth. Each day is an opportunity to make a positive, healthy impact."

Angela Cruz, Personal Trainer

"Fourteen years and counting, and my heart still swells with gratitude when I see those happy faces! The butterflies in my stomach are a reminder of the trust you have placed in me to be a part of your fitness journey. YOU are the reason I keep doing what I'm doing."

Lisa McInnis, Group Exercise Instructor

"I work at the Siegel JCC because they lead with a clear purpose and strong values and foster a culture of inclusiveness and respect where everyone’s voice truly matters."

Rob Rogers, CFO

When I was looking for a new workplace, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, just that many of the best things in my life came from the Jewish community. I wasn’t sure what I could offer but the Siegel JCC showed me how to turn my love of cooking for and feeding others into a promising career. I feel so lucky to have a job where I can learn new things while perfecting what I already could do, as well as working with people who respect and appreciate me.

Stefanie Gorson-Marrow, Senior & Adult Program Coordinator

Thank you to our 2024 Annual Campaign Donors

HERO ($3600+):

Norman & Phyllis Aerenson
Elizabeth Hembree & Samuel Blumberg
Delaware City Refining Company
Parkwood Trust
Laura Rubin

CHAMPION ($1800):

Sandy Korr Barsha & Jerry Barsha
Miriam & Steven Edell
Lena & John Elzufon
Leslie & Philip Goldstein
Mary & Dan Klein
Lisa & Marty Lessner
Marilyn & Richard Levin
Amy & Michael Leviton
Sandra Lubaroff
Pamela & Jim Meissler
Susan & Joseph Nicholson
Ellen & Gerald Resnick
Yvette Rudnitzky
Michelle & Russ Silberglied
Caryl Marcus-Stape & Jeff Stape

FELLOW ($1080):

Airbase Carpet & Tile Mart
Barbara & Philip Epstein
Jill & Joel Flambaum
Ivy & Donna Harlev
Stacy & Alan Horowitz
Michelle Lauer & Scott Kushner
Julie & Rodger Levenson
Alan & Ellen Levin
Doris Levine
Sophie & Michael Longwill
Rachel & Ryan Overdevest
Lauren & Andrew Russell
Anna & Dave Saul
Barbara Schoenberg
Marty Zukoff

PARTNER ($756):

Jane & Gene Castellano
Jennifer Lerner
Alison & Peter Lustgarten
Beth Moskow-Schnoll & Barry Schnoll
Peter Popper
Erin & Ryan Weick

SUPPORTER ($540):

Regina & Chris Alonzo
Frances Ratner & Steve Biener
Marla & Ross Cooper
Poornima & Prasanth Menon
Ethel & Don Parsons
Becky & Michael Rosen
Deborah & David Ross
Robin & Bruce Saran
Gina & Josh Schoenberg
Wendy & Phil Shlossman
Glenn & Laurie Silverstein
Carla & Michael Yudhishthu

FRIEND ($360):

Kathy Bloom
Ashley & Andy Cloud
Diane & Silvio DeCarli
Julie & Dan Devlin
Jill & Ralph Downard
Anika & James Dzwilewski
Debbie & Robert Feinson
Cindy Goldstein & Jonathan Jaffe
Bradley & Kara Haines
Lynn & Matthew Hanna
Kerin Hearn & Dan Brody
Janelle & Kari Krein-Silvers
Paul & Rhonda Lukoff
Marcia Halperin & Norman Monhait
Leslie Newman
Lynne Parker & Charles Oberly
Lynn & John Ratliff
Allison & Lennon Robbins
Christina & Rob Rogers
Denise Kohen & Seth Shabo
Jennifer Simon
Sandi & Ethan Solomon
Richard & Linda Stat
Meredith & Jameson Tweedie

CONTRIBUTOR ($180):

Anonymous
Nathalie Besson
Don Carbaugh
Andrew Conine
Wendy & Adam Cutler
Ed Epstein
Karen Friedman
Jan & Rob Goodman
Martha & John Henley
Diane & Murray Horn
Mark Ifshin
Joanie & Neil Kalin
Alissa & Joe Kegelman
Berta Kerr
Jane & Raymond Kursh
Bethany & Jason Kutz
Karen & Brian Legum
Sela & Jeffrey Margolies
Phyllis Gramlich & Ray Mendelsohn
Mark & Elaine Mendelson
Celina & Ron Riebman
Meredith & Dan Rosenthal
Carol & Pat Ryan
Aliza & Vaughan Sawdon
Beth Schinoff & Kyle Larkin
Donna Schwartz & Sonja Hildebrand
Nancy Selzer
Katie Sherry
Tom Short
Arlene Simon
Christine Fulton & Jordan Skolnick
Hope & Josh Slomich
Valerie & Jennifer Tallis-Cohen
Barbara & Leonard Togman
Bob & Cindy Weiner
Sam & Marilyn Weiner

Make your gift

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