Prominent Philanthropists in Chicago Participate in Exclusive Wine Pairing Showcasing Vino from 'The Tuscany of Israel'
On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, Jewish National Fund-USA's Major Donors in Chicago celebrated their shared passion for philanthropy and securing a bright, prosperous future for the land and people of Israel at the organization's "aficionado" appreciation event. Sponsored by Arango Cigar Co., and co-chaired by Mike Gold and Scott Schreiber, as fans of the organization's work, attendees participated in a high-end wine tasting experience. Guests sampled specially paired wines from Israel's Northern region, including several from Kishor Winery, a vineyard that employs adults with special needs and is one of the businesses that benefits from JNF-USA's partnership with the Western Galilee Now small business consortium.
Tourism is the backbone of the economy in the Galilee, often referred to as the "Tuscany of Israel," with 40% of the population depending on tourism as their primary source of employment. By partnering with Jewish National Fund-USA, local small businesses achieve greater visibility within their communities while also attracting more tourists. Businesses also receive training and marketing support to help their establishments thrive, which in turn enables them to hire more staff and boost their region's economy.
The event also highlighted Jewish National Fund-USA's Go North initiative, which aims to bring 300,000 residents to the Galilee, and its Online Mitzvah Marketplace, which was created during the pandemic and now serves as a permanent online store where Americans can purchase a variety of interesting and unique goods produced by Israeli artisans from the region, including Kishor wines.
"You are not just the dreamers, but the doers who are making Israel's tomorrow brighter," Gold said at the event. "From building the new JNF-USA Western Galilee Tourist Information Center in Akko to supporting local businesses in Israel, your support of JNF-USA has gone a long way in improving the quality of life in the Western Galilee as well as the Upper Eastern Galilee, a region known as the 'food basket' of Israel. Through JNF-USA, you are investing in technology, business management, cooking, restaurants, agricultural research and development, hospitality, and hotels. Because of you, the Galilee is seeing increased economic growth and becoming a destination place for tourists and Israelis alike, and for those in search of steady employment, a place to call home."
For more information or to learn how to support Jewish National Fund-USA's game-changing initiatives in Israel's North and South, contact Robyn Schneider, JNF-USA Major Gifts Director, Illinois at rschneider@jnf.org or 847.656.8880 x775.