Famous in Birmingham

A few days ago I volunteered with the Birmingham Jewish Federation raising money for the 2009 fundraising campaign. I spent several hours on the phone, calling the Federation's members, talking to people and leaving voicemails. Surprisingly, I do very well on the phone - must be years of making Beige Book phone calls for the Federal Reserve. I also got to practice speaking Russian with some of the Russian-speaking members of the Federation.

It was a rewarding experience and gave me a chance to meet some other volunteers with the Federation.

And now, to the famous part. The Federation sends a daily email update to its members and guess what was published in the update?! ME!!! That's right, a write-up on the fundraising efforts with the photo of me - too funny!

(for photo)

NEW FACE, NEW RESULTS

Newcomer Anna Berman making calls to donors on behalf of the 2009 BJF Campaign.

We pride ourselves at the Birmingham Jewish Federation on being open to anyone who wants to get involved in our wide array of activities. One of those who stepped forward recently to volunteer for the BJF is Anna Berman. Anna moved here a short while ago to do an internship for Southern Living magazine. She received an email from the BJF's You Belong in Birmingham program, which welcomes young Jews to our community, seeking volunteers for our campaign telethons.

Anna volunteered and joined Jewish community members Lisa Engel, Maury Shevin and Barbara Bonfield at the BJF office, in making calls to donors this week on behalf of the 2009 BJF Campaign. Anna was born in Russia, which helped her secure pledges from donors who've come to Birmingham from the former Soviet Union.