Lilli Abraham is a 12-year-old resident of Park Ridge, New Jersey. She is a student at Park Ridge Middle School and Temple Beth Am in Pearl River, New York, and an avid soccer player.
For her Mitzvah Project she organized and hosted a fund raising event called, Let’s Kick Cancer for the American Cancer Society.
Mitzvah Market caught up with Lilli to learn more about her clever project:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
LA: For my Mitzvah Project, I had a soccer shootout at Memorial Field in Park Ridge, New Jersey. I went around town to local businesses and asked for donations for my project. I made flyers and put the flyers up in the businesses that donated. I got many prizes, from things like free ice cream gift cards to a free guitar lesson, and more. When I was finished I had 11 prizes, and all of them were donated except for the 2 grand prizes. I sent emails out to a bunch of people telling them about what I was doing, and to spread the word. My flyer was even on my town TV station! Then, on the day of my project, about 100 people came!
I had set up two goals, one for little kids, (juniors) and one for adults and teenagers, (seniors.) Many of my friends helped by manning the nets, and collecting balls when they were shot and missed. Everyone who came paid $5 to participate and got 5 different shots from various points. However many goals you scored, you got that number of tickets, but if you got all of the goals in, you got 10 tickets. You entered your tickets in a raffle, and at the end of the fundraiser, volunteers picked the tickets and announced the winners. If the winners weren’t still present, then we called them. Overall, I raised $1,500!
MM: How did you spread the word about your event?
LA: I sent out emails to friends, family, and people all over my town. I put flyers up in places that donated gifts, and as a favor, I had someone put my flyer up on my town TV station, and the Pascack Valley Indoor Soccer League website.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
LA: If you would like to donate, I will accept money for as long as it comes. I have already brought the money I earned in personally to the American Cancer Society, but if more money continues to come, I will send it in.
(Editor’s Note: If you are interested in donating, let us know and we will put you in touch with Lilli. We can be reached at [email protected].)
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
LA: My fundraiser was on November 7, 2009 and I was working hard before that. My project does not have an end date.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
LA: I believe that cancer is a very serious disease, and I want to help people that have it. I have a friend whose Mom died of cancer, and it really affected me. I didn’t know her Mom, but I do know that there are millions of other people who had cancer just like she did, and knowing that all of the money I raised, might help to save someone’s life is a great feeling.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
LA: To me, a Mitzvah Project means an opportunity to do something good that will benefit others. Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is all about becoming a Jewish adult, and taking on responsibilities, so taking on the task of completing a Mitzvah Project is all about preparing yourself for becoming a responsible Jewish adult.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
LA: Yes, I would not have been able to complete my Mitzvah Project without the help of the businesses who donated, and my friends and family’s constant support and help. Without them, my Mitzvah Project would not have been as successful as it was.
Lilli will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah on January 30, 2010. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your great Mitzvah Project with Mitzvah Market!
