SAN DIEGO (Press Release) –“People really want to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy however they can,” said Scott Brown, former San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) parent and logistical manager of The Mother of All Garage Sales. On Sunday, November 11 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, SDJA will be holding The Mother of All Garage Sales, with 100% of the proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
SDJA has a long history of organizing large-scale service projects that benefit the victims of natural disasters. In 2005, the school raised over 30 tons of supplies for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and in 2010, raised over $100,000 worth of medical supplies for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. “These experiences have provided us with a background in logistics that really helps us when putting on these large-scale efforts to help others,” Brown continued.
With other organizations asking for monetary contributions, SDJA decided to focus on a garage sale that would allow individuals to donate goods to help others and offer its students a real-world opportunity to learn through action. “We really want this to be a teachable moment for our students,” said Dr. Jeffrey Davis, SDJA’s upper school principal. “This is why we didn’t just ask our parents to raise money. Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) is a Jewish value we teach at our school, and the best way to learn is often through action.”
SDJA will be donating half of the funds raised to the United Jewish Federation and the other half to the Met Council, since both agencies are making an immediate impact on the ground. SDJA has been working with New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal — who spoke with those affected by the hurricane — to identify organizations that will make the best use of the funds.
“In trying times like these, when New Yorkers could feel isolated and hopeless, geography has proven to be no barrier to kindness and deep concern for those suffering. This unexpected donation from San Diego Jewish Academy will help those hardest hit to begin rebuilding their lives,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal, who represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton.
Donations have been coming in all week and will be accepted until Friday, November 9 at 3:30 pm. The Mother of All Garage Sales will take place on Sunday, November 11 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and entry is $5 per car. For questions regarding The Mother of All Garage Sales, email maroeste@sdja.com or call (858) 704-3865.
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Preceding provided by San Diego Jewish Academy