Jewish teen group BBYO raised more than $1 million in donations during #Giving Tuesday, marking the first time the organization has hit this goal in its history.
As many as 1,200 teenagers worldwide participated in the fundraiser, calling on friends, family and community members to donate. The teen-led effort also saw an increase of nearly 1,000 more donors over last year’s campaign.
“In a world where antisemitism impacts three out of four Jewish teens, this grassroots effort exemplifies their determination to strengthen their community and keep their peers connected,” the organization stated.
Alexandra Greenberg, a high school senior in Denver, told JNS the event “is incredibly important to me because it unites our entire movement, bringing together Jewish teens to ensure they have a space to express their Judaism in whatever way feels authentic to them.”
“This year, it was especially meaningful for me to see global communities that hadn’t previously engaged in fundraising come together, breaking down cultural barriers and contributing to this goal in ways that felt truly personal and impactful,” she said.
Natalie Hittelman, a junior from Fairfield, Conn., told JNS that she participated in BBYO’s #GivingTuesday fundraiser because she “had a chance to make a direct impact on teens” in her area.
“I am a firm believer that money should not stand in the way of you finding your place in BBYO, so being able to help spearhead such a powerful fundraiser was so empowering,” she said. “I am grateful for BBYO and proud that I got to be such a big part of Giving BBYO Day because of the opportunities it will give to others.”
