Hey there, dodgeball enthusiasts and philanthropists alike! We’ve got some exciting news to share from the JLIC Rutgers community that’ll make you want to jump up and cheer—well, maybe not if you’re still recovering from a fierce dodgeball match. But trust us, this is worth celebrating!
Picture this: Sunday, March 31st, a day filled with adrenaline, camaraderie, and dodgeballs flying left and right. Why? Because Rav Avi Schwartz and Sara Schwartz, the dynamic duo behind JLIC at Rutgers, decided to shake things up and turn their annual dodgeball tournament into a fundraising extravaganza!
Photo Credit: Abbey London
Now, we’ve all played dodgeball before—dodging, ducking, diving, and dodging some more. But this time, it was more than just a game. With 55 enthusiastic students stepping onto the court, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. And here’s the kicker: they weren’t just playing for glory; they were playing to make a difference.
In the past, the JLIC at Rutgers Dodgeball Tournament was simply a fun activity. But this year, Rav Avi, Sara, and the entire community rallied together to turn it into something bigger—a fundraiser for Jewish life on campus at Rutgers. And boy, did they deliver! With sheer determination and a dash of competitive spirit, they raised over $17k, soaring past their initial goal of $15k.
But wait, there’s more! Six teams battled it out on the court, each vying for the coveted title of dodgeball champions. And who emerged victorious? None other than Edo Hakimian’s team, the reigning champs from last year! Talk about a winning streak.
Photo Credit: Abbey London
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. A huge shoutout to Highland Park Service Center and SAS Health Tech for stepping up to the plate and making this event a roaring success.
Now, here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. You see, the dodgeball tournament coincided with a rough week on campus for Jewish students following a Pro BDS vote. But instead of letting negativity dampen their spirits, the JLIC Rutgers community used the tournament as an opportunity to come together, blow off steam, and show the world what they’re made of.
Not only was it a chance to showcase their dodgeball skills (which, let’s be honest, were pretty impressive), but it was also a moment of pride for the entire community. By surpassing their fundraising goal, they proved that they’re not just investing in Jewish life on campus—they’re investing in themselves, their future, and the long-lasting legacy of Jewish life at Rutgers.
So, here’s to dodgeball, fundraising, and the power of community. As Rav Avi, Sara, and everyone involved can attest, sometimes all it takes is a little teamwork, a lot of determination, and a whole bunch of dodgeballs to make a difference.
Until next time, keep dodging, keep donating, and keep making waves. The world could use a little more of your spirit.
Game on!
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about JLIC and our programming.