Your Federation Dollars At Work

Almost nineteen years ago, in 1986, Shalom Park opened, with about 85,000 square feet under roof, as the home for the Jewish Community Center, the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, the religious schools of Temple Beth El and Temple Israel, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and other organizations. By the end of 2005 the Park, exclusive of both temple facilities, will have over 220,000 square feet under roof, as well as expanded parking, ball fields, tennis courts and aquatics facilities.

Currently, we look proudly at the beautiful new facilities like Camp Mindy, the new tennis courts, the two new education buildings, the new Silverman Fitness Center, the renovated and expanded aquatics facilities, the new Swimmer Aerobics Studio, etc. By this time next year, we will have a new primary entrance for the Sandra and Leon Levine Jewish Community Center, the new Lerner Cultural Arts Center, new facilities for seniors, families and children as well as expanded space for Jewish Family Services.

The Foundation of Shalom Park, as the managing partner of the central campus, works with all of the agencies to ensure that the needs of the community are met. The success of the Park and of the whole concept that has made Charlotte the envy of Jewish communities throughout the country is due to the commitment, energy, wisdom and willingness to compromise exhibited by the leadership of the agencies involved in this ongoing experiment.

The visionaries who saw the possibilities and created the opportunity for this community to do something that had never been done, namely create a Jewish campus community which would include religious, educational, social and recreational facilities and organizations, were able to lay the groundwork for success, sustainability and growth now exemplified by the $32 million Campaign to Expand and Endow Shalom Park. With over 850 contributors, the Campaign has exceeded the most optimistic expectations expressed eight to ten years ago when the planning began.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte contributes a significant portion of The Foundation of Shalom Park’s annual budget through its annual allocations process based on donations from the Annual Campaign.  In addition, there will be at least $5,000,000 in an Endowment.  The income from these sources will cover a portion of the operating expenses, meaning lower rents and user fees for all the agencies on the Park.  Butch Rosen, the FSP Executive Director says that the JFGC allocation “makes Shalom Park more affordable for everyone”.