Friends,

I'm always up for a challenge: It's during these tests that you get the opportunity to see what can be achieved if you put your heart and mind together in sheer determination. That's why I am so pleased to announce Women's American ORT's President's Challenge for ORT Israel.

In June, World ORT Director General Robert Singer informed us that an anonymous donor from Europe proposed to help World ORT in its Special Campaign for Israel by pledging to contribute up to $500,000 over two years, matching dollar for dollar all gifts raised for ORT.

At Women's American ORT's Annual Meeting in Chicago, the Board of Directors agreed to embrace this challenge. I kicked off the campaign with the first gift and was quickly and enthusiastically joined by many members of the Board of Directors.

Along with ORT donor countries around the world that have accepted this challenge, Women's American ORT has accepted its share--$125,000--of this wonderful opportunity to support ORT Israel. Any dollar raised over and above our annual commitment will be matched from this fund. For example, each contributor who gives $500 in actuality is giving $1,000. A $1,000 contribution translates into $2,000 for Israel.

We are asking WAO supporters to join us in making a gift over and above their annual contribution. Once individuals have made their annual gift, they are eligible to participate in this extraordinary fund-raising effort.

It would be a wonderful achievement to come to our Triennial Convention in New York City during the end of April--and the World ORT General Assembly, which will immediately follow--well on our way toward achieving our President's Challenge Campaign goal. But we can't do so without the grassroots support of the country and the support of every Chapter and each and every member of WAO. We are counting on you.

With 153 ORT institutions in Israel--some 93,000-plus students were touched by an ORT education last year alone--ORT Israel is counting on us. Here's an outstanding opportunity to make our gifts go twice as far. I invite you to join us.

Sincerely,

Carol Linch
National President