ANNUAl REPORT
REPORT TO MEMBERSHIP
Dear Members,
This has been an exciting year for the JCCT and the Jewish
community, as both played a major role in the celebration of the 50th
anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.
For example, the Center hosted a "kick-off" Israel at 50 event
on the first night of Chanukah, which drew approximately 400 people.
The program included the lighting of a giant menorah, entertainment,
holiday foods, games and crafts.
"A Walk Through Jerusalem," an interactive exhibit to tour the
"City of Gold," attracted many school groups and families. Scores of
docents and volunteers helped to make the exhibit a great success.
This year's Academy Award winning documentary, "The Long
Way Home," had its Virginia premiere at the Contemporary Arts
Center of Virginia in May. A special appearance by Dr. Ruth Gruber,
who appeared in the film and covered the voyage of "Exodus 1947" as a
journalist, rounded out this educational and dramatic program, which
was held in conjunction with CACV's exhibit, "From Remembrance to
Renewal."
A concert featuring Noa, Israel's foremost "pop" singing star,
was co-produced by the Center and the Virginia International
Waterfront Festival. Held at the Harrison Opera House, the audience
was witness to a rare and exciting talent who is gaining an
international reputation.
Although the Israel Independence Day celebration at Town
Point Park was not the culminating event of Israel at 50, it certainly
was the largest and best attended event of the entire year. Israeli folk
singer Ron Eliran, Oy Vey Klezmer, the ODU Dance Troupe and the
Hebrew Academy Children's Choir entertained the thousands in
attendance. Israeli food, a "shuk," and children's rides and activities
rounded off a spirited and fun-filled afternoon.
We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the incredible
contributions of a talented and dedicated Center staff. Their efforts and
hard work helped make all of these wonderful programs successful. We
FINANCIAL REVIEW
also appreciate the financial support provided by the United Jewish
Federation of Tidewater and the United Way of South Hampton Roads
for operational and special project funding.
New this year was the initiation of the JCCT'S relationship
with Sentara Life Care with the establishment of the Senior WellCare
Center. The rental of the former Gymstrada facility and numerous
capital improvements provide new sources of revenue for the Center.
Opportunities for collaborative programs targeting our older adult
members are also being explored.
An additional collaboration was undertaken with Jewish Family
Service, resulting in a joint fund raiser, "Forbidden Broadway." This
marked the second time in the Jewish community that two agencies
joined resources to raise needed revenue to support services.
A major thrust was undertaken by our Board to seek corporate
support for our many programs and activities. Thanks to the efforts of
Gene Ross and his corporate sponsorship committee, Norfolk Southern,
Central Fidelity National Bank and BB&T helped support our Cultural
Arts programs.
As the need for the provision of JCCT services in Virginia Beach
continues, the Board of Directors devoted much time and effort to
developing a plan and initiating Beach services. The Board approved a
transitional plan, which calls for expansion of services and facilities to
the Beach, and the redesign and continuation of services to meet the
changing demographics of the area's Jewish community.
All in all, 1997-98 has been a good year which has produced
outstanding programmatic achievements, significant physical and
capital improvements, a growing membership and innovative and
beneficial agency relationships.
We look forward to next year and wish the new slate of officers
and directors the very best!
Sincerely,
£onny Sarfan
President
/arty Trachtenberg
Executive Vice President
Total Income - $2,328,275
Total Expenditures - $2,339,779
Government
Grants - 4%
$97,746
Sales - 1% I
I
iFundraising" 8%1
! $124,970 i Dues- 20%
$468, 135
Federated Giving
UJF & UW. 19%
$446, 069
Program
Supplies - 24%
$567, 483
Staff Cost - 59%
$1,388,903
Occupancy - 14%
$322, 234 I
Printing &
Postage - 3%
$61,159
