Sweet, Sweet 16

The author, left, Laine Meyer, with her proud mother Judi and brother Randy. Laine’s Sweet 16 raised more than $16,500 for a camp scholarship fun.

The author, left, Laine Meyer, with her proud mother Judi and brother Randy. Laine’s Sweet 16 raised more than $16,500 for a camp scholarship fun.

by Laine Meyer

When my parents asked me what I wanted for my 16th birthday I realized I didn’t want or need anything. This started me thinking about the people in the world who cannot afford even the things they need, let alone the things they want. This thought inspired me to give instead of to receive. I would have a party to raise money for camp scholarships at the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester.

I decided to raise money for camp scholarships because I’ve been going to camp my whole life and I strongly believe that it can make a world of difference in the life of a child. I chose the day camps of the Rosenthal JCC because the JCC is an amazing place right in my own community which has impacted my life in so many ways and I know that it will for others.

I set a goal of $10,000, which I didn’t know if I would be able to reach. My Sweet 16 party took place on Nov. 8, 2008. Instead of gifts, I received donations. The couvert was $36 but larger donations were received. A JCC staff person and I solicited local businesses for donations for a silent auction at my party and we received gift baskets, gift cards, even a Blu-Ray DVD player! We provided only dessert for the guests (some of which I baked myself).

The event took place in the auditorium at the Rosenthal JCC which we had transformed into a club-like room with a lounge area, tables and a DJ who donated his time and his lighting special effects.
There were more than 200 teens and adults in attendance. The cost was minimal, but the party was more fun than any other party my friends have gone to. It goes to show that tons of money does not need to be spent in order to have a good time.

By the end of the party I had raised more than $16,500. When I finished counting the donations, the greatest feeling came over me — a feeling that can never be duplicated. That feeling was my gift. Knowing that I made a difference in the lives of others is something that I will be able to carry with me the rest of my life.

We decided to maintain $10,000 in a fund and use $6,500 immediately to pay for five children to attend JCC Camp Discovery. Five might seem like a small number, but really it makes a world of difference to those to children and their families.

Instead of focusing on the little things that I don’t have, I focus on the big things that others don’t have. I strongly encourage others to follow what they believe in and make a difference in their own way.
Willpower is all anyone needs to do what I have done. Get your friends, family and community involved. Advertise your cause. By fundraising through a party with a formal invitation and response card, I was able to make sure that everyone received information on what I was doing.

Let the joy of helping others impact your life as it did mine. The hard work pays off with pure joy and the knowledge of what you have done for others.

Laine Meyer is a junior at Briarcliff Manor High School in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

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Westchester Jewish Conference

Westchester’s Jewish Community Relations Organization