Chicago’s Klaff Family Pledges $5MM To JCC Chicago
CHICAGO, IL (January 2, 2024) — JCC Chicago is proud to announce that Hersch and Avril Klaff have pledged $5MM, the largest single gift in the 100-year history of Camp Chi, one of the largest Jewish overnight camps in the country, to enhance camp facilities. This milestone commitment recognizes the important role Camp Chi has in connecting today’s youth to Jewish community and Jewish life.
“Thriving Jewish communities are built by strong Jewish leaders,” said Addie Goodman, JCC Chicago President and CEO. “For many across Chicago, the country and the world, the seeds of Jewish leadership are planted at Camp Chi. How incredible for our future leaders to be guided by the support, investment, and leadership of Hersch, Avril and their family.”
One of the country’s premier Jewish overnight camps, Camp Chi has a rich legacy of helping children, teens and young adults discover and nurture their Jewish identities. For more than 100 years, campers and staff have spent summers at Chi making new friends, building confidence, learning skills, and developing values that stay with them long after camp ends.
“We trust by having the best available facilities, the Camp will attract more Jewish campers, which we strongly believe is critical for the future of Jewish America, says Hersch Klaff. “We are grateful to be in a position to help enhance Camp Chi with the resources it needs for its future offerings.”
Transformational capital projects planned for Camp Chi over the next three years of investment include:
- Modernized Dining Hall and Kitchen with air conditioning, improved traffic flow and upgraded equipment to meet the needs of all campers, including those with food allergies. This project will also feature a large, open-air pavilion to provide outdoor dining experiences and serve as a multi-purpose space centrally located on the campus.
- Newly constructed Pavilion at the Commons will be a new program space designed to foster friendship and community, and to support new camper experiences and traditions.
- Expanded and enhanced seating at the Amphitheatre will enable the entire camp community to gather for Chi’s Got Talent, Staff-in-Training Play and other camp traditions, including weekly Shabbat.
- New Golf Center that will feature a short course, chipping and putting zones, a miniature golf course and a new specialty program for campers interested in trying, learning and honing their golf skills.
“The Klaff family have been long-time supporters of Camp Chi, going back to when their children attended camp. We are all thrilled they have chosen our community gem to bestow this beautiful gift, which will ensure a bright future for years to come,” says Edward Atkins, M.D., Camp Chi Campaign Chair and Past Chair of the JCC Chicago of Directors.
“Having grown up at Camp Chi for the past 24 years, as a camper, counselor, and now in my first year as Director,” says Kyle Kolling, Camp Chi Director, “I have seen this amazing place grow and change through the years. This ability to adapt and innovate is what has made Camp Chi the beacon of Jewish communal life that it is today. This generous gift will serve generations of campers to come, a true home away from home for another 100 years.”
“Camp Chi’s core values of kindness, respect and community have never been more important—the Klaff Family has demonstrated to the entire Camp Chi community and for so many more what Jewish leadership looks like,” says Goodman.
In honor of this historic gift, the 600-acre campus in Lake Delton, WI will be named the Klaff Family Campus.
This summer, more than 1,000 campers from 24 states and 54 countries will head to their home away from home, including 84 Israeli campers who have lost a parent in the Israeli Defense Force or have otherwise been impacted by war.
About JCC Chicago:
JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago, founded in 1903 and rooted in Jewish values, offers a life-affirming journey fostering a connected, inclusive community from birth through senior years. With a focus on growing good kids and building connections, it is JCC Chicago’s mission to strengthen the Jewish community, from generation to generation. Today, JCC Chicago serves a diverse population of more than 65,000 community members who learn, grow, and thrive through early childhood, day and overnight camps, teen, adult and family offerings, fitness and wellness, aquatics & sports and special events and happenings year-round. For more information on JCC Chicago programming and commitment to community visit, www.jccchicago.org.
Media Contact:
Terry Murphy
718.864.0510
tmurphy@hapnerhartmedia.com