News & Impact

On October 29, 2023, local synagogue members and men’s clubs teed off at Crystal Springs Golf Course for the 2023 Peninsula Jewish Community Golf Classic (PCJGC), raising over $23,000 to support JFCS’ Food Bank and nutrition programs on the Peninsula.

The Peninsula Jewish Community Golf Classic has been held for the past 13 years. In 2021, the PJCGC Committee saw a chance to leverage the tournament’s success into a fundraising opportunity. Since then, the committee and its collaborators have generously supported Jewish Family and Children’s Services programs. 

When asked why the tournament selected JFCS as its beneficiary, committee cofounder David Greenseid said, “We selected Jewish Family and Children’s Services on the Peninsula because of its excellent reputation and because of the wide range of services it provided.”

David and the other members of the organizing committee have been enormously effective at fundraising through the tournament. Over the past three years, their efforts have raised $43,000 for JFCS programs.

In 2022, the tournament raised $15,000 for JFCS’ Ukraine Emergency Fund, providing crucial assistance during a time of unimaginable turmoil.

This year, the Golf Classic Committee collected an impressive $23,000 to directly support JFCS Peninsula Food Bank and nutrition programs on the Peninsula—programs that helped over 3,000 households last year.

Contributing to the event’s success, the Golf Classic Committee worked closely with the three volunteer chairs of the JFCS Peninsula Food Bank, Marian Sosnick, Jill Kulick, and Sara Green.

Thanks to their efforts and the participation of local synagogues and men’s clubs, including Peninsula Temple Beth El, Peninsula Temple Sholom, Peninsula Sinai, Congregation Beth Jacob, and the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, hundreds more food-insecure households will receive support this year.

While the past few months have been immensely challenging for Jewish people around the world, the success of this fundraiser is a beacon of hope for a hurting community. Even in the face of adversity, we will always come together to care for our neighbors in need.

We would like to thank the organizing committee of 2023 Peninsula Jewish Community Golf Classic, composed of the following individuals:

• From Peninsula Temple Beth El: Dick Heiman, Neil Oettinger, Derek Lau, and David Greenseid<
• From Peninsula Temple Sholom: Bill Feldbrill, Keith Tandowsky, and Alvin Begun
• From Peninsula Sinai Congregation: Alvin Begun (dual membership)
• From Congregation Beth Jacob: Rick Kirske
• From Peninsula Jewish Community Center: Lionel Engelman
• JFCS Peninsula Food Bank volunteer chairs: Marian Sosnick, Jill Kulick, and Sara Green

We commend their dedication and hard work in supporting the community. We also extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dick Heiman z”l, who passed away recently. Dick was instrumental in guiding and inspiring the tournament since its inception. May his memory be a blessing.

Want to Get Involved?

Donate to JFCS: Every dollar makes a difference in the lives of families struggling with food insecurity.

Volunteer at the JFCS Food Bank: Lend a helping hand by sorting food, packing groceries, or delivering to clients.