by Debra Rubin
NJJN Bureau Chief/Middlesex

July 21, 2009

While there is nothing funny about the current economic crisis or the very serious efforts of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County to help Jews locally and internationally, even philanthropists have their humorous side.

That will be in comical evidence this summer at federation’s annual Vanguard event, built around the theme “Jewish Philanthropists Telling Jokes.”

The event — to be held Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Brunswick home of Linda and Monte Block — is for those who have given $5,000 or more to federation’s annual campaign. It is the kick-off for the fund-raising year; last year’s event brought in $1.16 million.

The federation’s fiscal year ended June 30 with a campaign that took in $3.36 million, including endowments, grants, corporate sponsorships, and contributions.

“Among our Vanguard contributors are people who have the longest connection to federation,” said president Lee Livingston. “Many have been involved for 20 years and more and they represent a significant percentage of our overall campaign.”

And although Middlesex bucked the national downward trend by taking in roughly the equivalent of the previous year’s campaign, Livingston called the current needs of the community “incredible.”

“Vanguard has always set the tone of what our campaign will be like during the year, so this event is even more important,” he added. “We will be telling the attendees exactly how several people are being affected directly, and in keeping with the tenor of the times, it will not be as elaborate of an affair as in years past.”

There will be no guest speaker. Instead, guests will be asked to entertain the crowd by telling their favorite jokes. Those attending will vote on the best joke, with the winner having $1,000 donated to the federation project of his or her choice.

The program is a take on the website oldjewstellingjokes.com, founded by Highland Park native Sam Hoffman. The site, which has received two million hits, shot its first segment in an empty storefront on Raritan Avenue last year featuring funny old Middlesex County Jews.

Harriet Tabak of Highland Park, a chair of the event, said involvement with federation has always been a priority for her and her husband, Joseph.

“The Jewish people have always been very important to us,” she said. “We are part and parcel of the community and, thank God, we’ve been fortunate enough to have enough resources to give. We’ve been involved for many years, and supporting the Jewish community has always been a part of our lives.

“This year, because so many have been bruised one way or another because of the economy, we realize the needs of young families and so many in the community are even greater.”

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