My Experience Getting In The Games
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

My Experience Getting In The Games

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August 5, 2015

Written by Karissa Gretebeck, United Way Corporate Volunteerism Manager

I’m often reminded that I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get the privilege of connecting people and organizations to meaningful ways that they can do good in their local community as volunteers. When our long-standing agency program partner, the Jewish Community Center, came to us in 2014 asking for help in recruiting the volunteer power needed to host the historic JCC Maccabi Games in Milwaukee, we did not hesitate and jumped on board.

The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America and are the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. The focus of the games is not only about promoting athleticism and healthy competition but in helping shape a stronger, healthier local community.

Both JCC and United Way believe in the power of people Living United and coming together to inspire the next generation of future leaders. Over the course of the last six months we secured nearly 200 volunteers for the Games through our corporate and community partnerships.

I spent both Sunday evening and Monday morning immersed in the Opening Ceremonies and starting events of this exciting athletic competition. The event itself has been well-organized, well-executed and meticulously planned right down to every competition, every meal and every evening activity. However, what transcends above this superb event planning is the incredible feeling of community and pride you experience in every element of the Games.

Being a volunteer myself during the Games has made me proud of our community, proud of the people that live here and hopeful for a bright future. While the Maccabi Games are built on a foundation of athletic competition, Executive Director Mark Shapiro, Games Director Jesse Rosen and their fantastic team have transformed this event into a movement of goodwill and community development that will extend far beyond August 7. Kudos to their incredible effort and leadership.

I look forward to participating throughout the remainder of this week and engaging our volunteers in the spirit of the Maccabi Games!

Special thanks to the Lubar Family for their support of the Games and strong commitment to United Way.

The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center of Milwaukee (JCC) has been a United Way partner since 1958. Learn more about the programs United Way funds at JCC.

How would you like to change your community? Find your volunteer opportunity.
 

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