A close friend who is a cancer survivor sends an email asking you to sponsor her for a Run/Walk supporting an organization that provides services for cancer patients and their families. You are somewhat familiar with the charity, but have not supported it before. How long does it take to decide to make a donation?

Something BIG is happening on Saturday, November 19! The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) will host its fourth annual YLD Big Event, the signature fundraiser for young adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s in support of the 2017 Campaign for Jewish Needs. All are welcome to attend the event, which begins at 8:30 p.m. on November 19 at The Westin Cleveland Downtown (777 Saint Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114). A private reception for Ben-Gurion Society donors who commit a minimum gift of $1,000 to the Campaign will precede the event.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has launched the “Double Your Impact Match,” an unprecedented match initiative to benefit the Campaign for Jewish Needs, the annual fundraising campaign that ensures our community’s vitality and vibrancy in the year ahead. To learn more or make a gift, visit www.jewishcleveland.org.

Deborah E. Lipstadt, Jewish history professor and author, discussed her work and experiences battling a Holocaust denier in court, which inspired the new film “Denial,” Oct. 27 at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights.

If you are like me – Jewish, female, and a baby boomer – you are part of a growing group of women philanthropists transforming the Jewish world.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announces the opening of “Illuminations: The Art of Samuel Bak,” a collection of visual art exploring the myriad interpretations of Israel identity. The exhibition is located in the Roe Green Gallery at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building (25701 Science Park Drive in Cleveland).

Shari S. Perlmuter of Pepper Pike has been named the 2016 recipient of the Ruby Bass Award, honoring her volunteerism and dedication to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Perlmuter was presented with the award at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Women’s Philanthropy Signature Event on September 27.

Hundreds of volunteers gathered around tables in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building. In the commotion of talking and laughing, with two projector screens showing the Cleveland Browns' inevitable loss to the Miami Dolphins, with musical acts performing to the crowd, you could be forgiven for thinking the Jewish Federation of Cleveland was hosting one heck of a party.