Joshua Eichbaum [SPJTF]

SPJTF supports projects that protect and restore (at-risk and) marginalized communities from natural and human-caused catastrophes locally, in Israel, and abroad.

JTF

This past year I have been fortunate to be a member of the Jewish Teen Foundation or JTF. This foundation consists of teenagers (like me), who are provided with the opportunity to learn about philanthropy, by developing leadership skills and Jewish values. For over a decade, JTF has raised over $2 million and given 290 grants to Jewish and secular non-profit organizations worldwide with an ultimate goal of providing help to those in need. 

By the Statistics

• In Sonoma County, the recent, October 2017, wildfires destroyed 6,600 structures, including 5,130 homes, including 1,500 homes and more than 600 businesses and secondary buildings, including sheds and barns, in the Rincon Valley, Mark West, and Larkfield-Wikiup area.
• 2017 has been said to be one of Israel’s most difficult years due to the continued drought.
• 11 million people in Uganda are facing food insecurity and 1.6 million on the brink of famine
• 163 people were injured during the Haifa fires in 2016
• In 2015, ten years after hurricane Katrina, 29% of New Orleans residents continue to live below the poverty line.  

Why I Care

I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, living there until my family and I moved to the Peninsula five years ago. Unfortunately during the North bay wildfires this past October, both of the houses we used to live in burned down, one of which we still owned. Luckily, we didn’t lose any valuables. However, many of our former neighbors ran out of their houses in the middle of the night, losing everything including their appliances, furniture, and memorabilia. While there is optimism that our neighborhood will be rebuilt better than before, it will be years before that happens and will cost a lot of money.

We Need You

This year we have committed ourselves to raising $64,000 to improve the health of those affected by violence. I have personally committed to raising $3,500, which includes my personal donation of $300. To achieve this goal, I will need your help. A donation of any amount will help make a big difference in these victim’s lives. Any amount of donation helps! I hope you will join me in supporting our mission. In May, once the SPJTF has made our grants, I will share with you a complete list of the organizations that are benefitting from your donation.