Thank You For Striking Out COVID with JFS

By Steven Schauder, MSW, CFRE | Executive Director, Jewish Family Service

We wanted to thank more than 700 community members who came out in full force on July 16th, to support JFS, our community’s Covid heroes, and the National Israeli baseball team. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event that allowed our community to cheer on Team Israel as they played a practice game at FNB Field on their way to the Tokyo Olympics. The stands were filled with fans of all ages who cheered on Team Israel on their way to a 9-3 victory over the Cal Ripken All Stars. 

When JFS planned this event, our goal was to make more people in the community aware of our work in the areas of Adoption & Foster care, Mental Health Counseling and Community Programs, such as our Finkelstein – Cohen Kosher Meals on Wheels Program, our Emergency Financial Assistance and Case Management program, and the Libby Urie Food Pantry. We also wanted to acknowledge all of the Covid heroes of our community—to honor those people who over the last 18 months put the needs of others before their own. It was an honor to pay tribute to the members of the medical and mental health professions, along with thanking members of law enforcement and the military who attended the game.

I know so many of us felt a sense of deep pride watching Team Israel---a group of professional Jewish baseball players who were representing the State of Israel in the Tokyo Olympics—play ball at such a high caliber. We are grateful to all Team Israel players, managers, and organizers, including President Peter Kurtz, for agreeing to play this game in Harrisburg. I know you joined me in rooting the team on to bring home the gold. We are also deeply indebted to our event partners, the Harrisburg Senators, and our sponsors for helping us create such a fun-filled morning.

Thank you all for your support!