When a school community believes deeply in its mission, extraordinary things happen.

This spring, RTA-Richmond Hebrew Day School’s All-In Campaign, built around the inspiring slogan “Build Our Future,” brought together students, parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and friends in a shared investment in the future of Jewish education in Richmond.

Two weeks before the campaign officially launched on May 3 and 4, the energy was already building. Families, board members, faculty, and members of the broader RTA community gathered on campus for a campaign rally, where participants formed fundraising teams, prepared outreach lists, shared stories, and built momentum for the two-day community effort ahead.

Led by campaign chair Jehaziel Rendon, with Thea Winston leading this year’s spirited class fundraising competition, the campaign inspired participation across every grade level and every corner of the RTA community.

To build excitement and foster grade-level pride, each class participated in a spirited fundraising competition that culminated during RTA’s Sunday callathon, where parents, students, and supporters gathered on campus to make calls, share RTA’s story, and rally support for their classes. 

Every single grade rose to the challenge, surpassing its goal of raising more than $1,000 and bringing an added sense of energy, teamwork, and friendly competition to the campaign.

When the two-day campaign officially launched on May 3 and 4, every dollar raised was matched, up to $400,000, through the extraordinary generosity of Josh and Elly Goldberg’s Let’s Give RVA, creating powerful momentum as the RTA community came together to help build our future.

The results were remarkable.

An extraordinary 91 percent of current RTA families—52 of 57 families—participated in the campaign, with 100 percent family participation achieved in six classes: kindergarten, first grade, third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, and eighth grade.

By campaign’s end, the RTA community had raised an extraordinary $414,513, successfully unlocking an additional $100,000 bonus goal and demonstrating what is possible when a community rallies around a shared mission.

Just as meaningful as the final total was the breadth of participation. With 91 percent of current families taking part, and six grade levels reaching 100 percent family participation, this year’s campaign reflected a school community that truly shows up for one another, for our students, and for the future of Jewish education in Richmond.

At RTA, “All In” is more than a campaign theme. It is a reflection of who we are: families, educators, students, and supporters building something lasting l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.