2010 BJF Campaign Chairs Karen and Joel Piassick at the BJF going over campaign lists; the posters on the wall reflect past BJF campaign successes. 

From Joel Piassick, who, with his wife, Karen, is chairing the Birmingham Jewish Federation's 2010 Campaign:

Karen and I are delighted to be charing the Birmingham Jewish Federation's 2010 Campaign and want to take the opportunity to introduce ourselves to those of you we have not met. Although we have only been in Birmingham for six years, the warmth of this community has sealed our commitment to Birmingham as our new, permanent home.

We are excited about the 2010 Campaign and it is our intent to personally meet with as many of the Federation's supporters as is possible.

We realize that the economy has not fully recovered, but that very fact is placing a greater need on Federation-supported institutions. The BJF met its 2009 goal thanks to the generosity of our donors, redutions in Federation expenses and keeping allocations to our agencies at the previous year's level.

But, our community is no different than others in feeling the impact of the economy. We have families that have lost substantial portions, if not all, of their income and who need and are receiving BJF support. Our local institutions are facing unprecedented financial pressures and the support we've been able to provide our fellow Jews in such places as the former Soviet Union and Israel has been negatively impacted.

We are starting a little later than in past years since the 2009 Campaign took longer than usual. So, when Karen and I, or other volunteers or members of the Federation staff contact you about your committment to the 2010 Campaign, please think about the needs of our Jewish brethren, locally and globally, and respond promptly and generously. This is a year when every additional dollar truly will impact on someone's life.

We thank you for your past support and hope we can count on your generosity once again.