Everyone has his or her own reason for getting involved in the Milwaukee Jewish Federation Community Campaign, the fundraising effort that supports numerous programs locally, nationally and internationally. Being involved can mean giving time, money or both.
For Shelly Kominsky, her reason was simple. She moved to Milwaukee in 1983 from Libertyville, Ill., after her husband, Mike, grew tired of commuting to the Marcus Corp. And she didn’t know a soul.
Kominsky explained, “I was giving my parents a tour of Milwaukee and drove by the federation building. I parked the car, went in and introduced myself to Evy [Garfinkel, director of the Women’s Division], who signed me up for the Political Awareness Series on the spot. That was it!”
She has been active in federation both as a supporter and campaign volunteer for the past 18 years.
In contrast, Dr. Mark Wichman grew up in Milwaukee and settled here in 1996 after completing his medical training as an orthopedic surgeon.
“While I have supported the campaign financially,” he said, “this is my first year as a worker. I was recruited by a colleague who has been involved for sometime. Honestly, I couldn’t give him a good reason why not to get involved.”
Kominsky said that she became friendly with some of the participants (in the Political Awareness series), which led her to take an active role in the campaign. “I co-chaired one of the donor divisions 15 years ago with Jayne Butlein, who is now one of my dearest friends. I’ve made my closest friends in Milwaukee after becoming a campaign worker. I’ve lived in various cities and feel Milwaukee is truly my home. Because of my association with the federation, I really feel I belong here.”
Conversely, Wichman, 37, wonders at the fact that few of his contemporaries are involved in the campaign. “Admittedly, we’re all busy with our professional lives and raising young families,” he said.
“There are some wonderful young leaders and I hope that I, too, can serve as a role model and stimulate more participation among young people. I decided to show some leadership rather than waiting to follow the lead of others,” he said.
When it came to being solicited for the first time, Kominsky admitted she was a little nervous. “I went to the Pfister Hotel and didn’t know what to expect. But the experience turned out to be so pleasant that I decided I could do it, too. I enjoy spending an hour with people I might not otherwise meet, and I always feel good after a solicitation because I’m doing something important for the Jewish community.”
Wichman was comfortable being solicited, but said he was more concerned about being the solicitor. “It’s not easy to ask people for money — especially during this time of crisis. But I have been pleasantly surprised at how welcoming my calls have been received. Maybe because of the crises, people want to give something back to the community. I don’t have a feel for comparison.”
Acknowledging that she supports the campaign “out of a sense of obligation,” Kominsky also feels it has been a personal learning experience. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and others through the training sessions for campaign workers, which I actually use in my daily life.”
Specifically, she has become a better listener. “While as a solicitor it’s important to stress the importance of every campaign dollar, it’s also important to listen to what donors are saying.”
Unlike Wichman, Kominsky has grown children and doesn’t work. But they both feel it is important to have a balance in their lives.
Wichman said he settled in his hometown because he wanted to expose his children to a city that was safe, had good schools and access to family — especially grandparents. “Also, I was invited to join a great orthopedic group— my dad’s,” he quipped.
Active in BBYO and AZA as a kid and a JCC Camp Interlaken camper and counselor, Wichman said he has been on the receiving end of the campaign support. “Now I have the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and more importantly raise funds so today’s kids can enjoy the same services I did. It’s really very rewarding.”
Kominsky noted that while her parents were not active in federation in her native Chicago, her father instilled in her a love for Judaism. “Though he’s been gone a long time, when I do federation things, I feel close to him. He’d be proud of me and it makes me smile.”
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