BJCC Building Campaign Tops 90%

There was plenty of good news presented to the community at the Boulder Jewish Community Center’s Cornerstone Capital Campaign event Wednesday night:  first and foremost, that the Boulder JCC has raised $16.2 million or 90% of their $18 million Phase I goal; the architect, the contractor and the owner’s representative have all been selected; and if all goes well, they could break ground in the summer of 2012 and open in early 2014.

But wait, there’s more: Boulder JCC Executive Director Jonathan Lev pointed out the news that the event itself made:  With attendance of 575 people, Exclusive Preview of First Bite Boulder became the largest fundraising event in Boulder’s Jewish community in a decade.  Add to that the fact that the night’s fundraising appeal generated over $195,000 for the project, and it was truly a night to remember.

I couldn’t believe it… people were coming up to me and thanking me for giving them the opportunity to give something for this project that will benefit the entire community. Tonight, you can really feel that together, we are building our present and our legacy for the future.”

Scott Peppet, co-chair of the Cornerstone Capital Campaign, said:

Now that we’re at 90% of our goal, I hope the people who have been avoiding me will talk to me.  I’m not looking for million dollar gifts anymore, I’m now looking for $50,000, $25,000, $10,000 or $5,000 — whatever people feel comfortable giving.”

The event, held at the Boulder Theater, was a tremendous success.  Members of the community enjoyed food from ten of the First Bite Boulder restaurants.  The Boulder JCC made a short presentation, which included a video showing renderings of the outside and inside of the new building, a fundraising appeal, and then the Hazel Miller Band played to close out the evening.

Boulder JCC Board Chair Susan Rona and Lev also thanked the First Bite restaurants that participated and donated their food and services: Absinthe House, Centro Latin Kitchen, Japango, Jill’s, Laudisio, The Rib House, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Tahona Tequila Bistro/The Steak Room, West End Tavern, and Zolo Grill. In addition Sweet Pea Cuisine provided a kosher option and Spice of Life Catering served appetizers and dessert. The event was underwritten by the Boulder Jewish Community Foundation and the Boulder JCC Cornerstone Capital Campaign.

ABOUT FIRST BITE BOULDER

First Bite Boulder is an annual event highlighting Boulder’s dining scene. For one full week, more than 40 of Boulder’s top restaurants will offer a special three course $26 prix fixe dinner menu to the community.  The week celebrates Boulder’s exceptional dining community and helps bring our well-deserved reputation into the national spotlight. Celebrate the establishments that make Boulder the culinary destination it is on November 11-19, 2011. For more information visit http://www.firstbiteboulder.com/

Boulder Jewish News will post more pictures and the video presented at the event, but in the meantime,  here is a thank you video from the Boulder JCC: