When asked about why he gives to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, this is what Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Board Member Gerry Barker had to say:
"When Debbie and I first decided to support the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, we thought we are giving funds to the Jewish community of Greater New Haven and funds to Israel. But what we didn't know at the time is that the money and the donations and the commitment go much further. This money goes to support the elderly at The Towers and assure they can enjoy a Jewish lifestyle, this money goes to students so that they can go to Jewish days schools in New-Haven, without which we would not have a vibrant Jewish community. This money goes to young children, who are able to attend camp Laurelwood, the pluralistic Jewish overnight camp that's so important in a young person's life, and to Jewish Family Service that provides food, psychiatric counseling, and abundance of other services to people in need.
As time has gone on, we learned more and we wanted to give more, and we felt that every dollar we have given has been put to a great use, and we have been very pleased with everything we've seen at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Debbie, myself, our three children Olivia, Max, and Harrison, all hope you will join us in supporting the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, so we can sustain a Jewish way of life in our community."