Jacqueline Maier of Tenafly, New Jersey celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 15, 2010 and her Mitzvah Project tied directly into her celebration. This young lady did something incredible! She put a special note in her Bat Mitzvah invitation asking for donations to two charities in lieu of gifts for herself.
As a result, more than $22,000 has been raised and given to Jewish Family Service of Bergen County and North Hudson, and Bergen Reads at the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey.
We asked Jacqueline some questions about this very generous Mitzvah Project.
MM: What made you decide on this Mitzvah Project?
JM: My parents are both very generous people and we kind of came up with the idea together. We thought it should be something that’s Jewish. I decided that having a nice party and getting other things was enough and that the money could be used for a good deed.
MM: Why did you choose those two charities?
JM: I decided on these two charities because at JFS, I can help many different types of people in many different ways and be totally involved on how the money is used. I chose Bergen Reads because I personally love reading and wanted to give others that opportunity.
MM: How does making such a large donation make you feel?
JM:I feel like it is a very nice thing to help others and impact them in a positive way. I have been very fortunate and wanted to help those who have not been as fortunate as me. By donating all of my Bat Mitzvah money to these charities, I am able to help many different people in many different ways.
MM: Explain how you let your guests know.
JM: Guests received a short note from me that was inserted in the invitation. It invited guests to make a donation to either charity in lieu of typical gifts. There was an “in lieu of gifts” card printed and enclosed with the invite that gave all the information they would need to make the donations for this.
MM: Your Bat Mitzvah was many months ago, if someone wanted to still make a donation on your behalf, could they?
JM: Yes, you can donate for as long as you like. The more money that is raised, the more people we can help.
We thank Jacqueline for sharing her generous project with Mitzvah Market and we hope it inspires other children to do something similar!
