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ROBBINSVILE: Teen philanthropists celebrate giving

   ROBBINSVILLE — More than 550 people were in attendance as the Jewish Community Youth Foundation marked completion of its ninth year at its annual Philanthropy Fair and check presentation ceremony Feb. 26 at Robbinsville High School.
   A total of $66,960 was distributed to 20 programs by 160 area teens representing 12 middle schools, 23 high schools and 13 synagogues, including seven teens from Robbinsville.
   JCYF is a teen philanthropy program administered by Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County, the Ricky and Andrew J. Shechtel Philanthropic Fund and the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks.
   Samara Wright, of Princeton, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh and a 2010 JCYF graduate, won the second annual JCYF Distinguished Alumni Award for her commitment to the Jewish community and her participation in many philanthropic and community service activities.
   She received $720 (through award money and matched funds), which she will donate to Hadassah Hospital.
   Ms. Wright is studying in Israel this semester, at Hebrew University, and while visiting, she said she was moved by Hadassah Hospital and the way it treats all patients equally regardless of race, religion, or nationality. She said she views Hadassah Hospital as a great hope for peace.
   The night also highlighted JCYF’s nine years of giving. Since JCYF’s inception, participants have donated more than $391,000 to 47 different Jewish programs.
   The event ended by honoring 31 JCYF graduating seniors. Molly Fisch-Friedman, of Princeton Junction, Lauren Soffen, of Princeton, Eli Pollack, of Yardley, and Jessica Rubinstein, of Lawrenceville, addressed the audience reflecting on their five years of participation in the program.
   Eli said, “I will miss the fact that every time I left a late Sunday night meeting, I could leave with the satisfaction of knowing that somewhere in the world, the money that we donate is going to make a difference and that there is a person who is very grateful for the help that we are lending to them.”
   For more information regarding the Jewish Community Youth Foundation, phone Celeste Albert at 609-987-8100 or email [email protected].
   Visit the foundation’s web site at www.jfcsonline.org/jcyf.html.