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January 9, 2004
BGU's new leading lady
Kahn brings 18 years of experience to organization.
KYLE BERGER REPORTER
The new executive director of the local chapter of the Canadian
Associates of Ben-Gurion University (BGU) has one simple goal: Raise
money for the university by raising the local organization's profile
in the community.
"I think that if people don't know about BGU then they won't
think about donating money to BGU," said Ricki Kahn, "so
it's important to raise the profile in order to raise more funds.
Kahn, who started her new position in October, said she would like
to see more regularly scheduled events for members of the local
association.
"I have a history of being an event planner and a fund-raiser
for other Jewish community organizations so I hope to use those
strengths for BGU," she said. "But it will be a challenge
to try and create programming that has not been in place before."
Kahn brings more than 18 years of leadership experience in fund-raising
and community service. She has worked with Eitz Chaim and Schara
Tzedeck synagogues, the Vancouver Talmud Torah elementary and high
schools, the Yaffa Housing Society and Hadassah.
One of Kahn's upcoming projects will be the Canadian association's
annual fund-raising event, to be held April 15 at Science World.
Tying into the theme of Passover, the Vancouver chapter will be
bringing from Toronto acclaimed producer and director Simcha Jacobovici
with his newest film, which brings to light new archeological evidence
to support the biblical Exodus tale. There will be a question and
answer period with Jacobovici, followed by a dessert reception.
Ben-Gurion University is an institution of higher learning with
a unique history. Inspired by the vision of David Ben Gurion, the
first prime minister of Israel, the university was established in
1969 by the government of Israel in order to seek out ways to make
it possible for Israelis to live and be gainfully employed in southern
Israel.
Today, Ben-Gurion University is the largest employer of manpower
in Beersheva and the Negev and has become one of the most predominant
forces in Israeli technology.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Canadian Associates
of Ben-Gurion University, making a donation or volunteering can
contact Kahn at 604-736-5386 or by e-mail at bgu.vcn.bc.ca.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.
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