We asked the Bar and Bat Mitzvah project specialists (Areyvut) for some tips to choose a Bar/Bat Mitzvah project, and how to integrate the project into the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.  This is what they told us:Bar Mitzvah Fund Raising

Tips for Choosing a Mitzvah Project

Preparing for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah gives you the perfect opportunity to reflect on the positive impact you have had on others and how best to continue on this path. By participating in a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service project, you are given the chance to select a cause that is important to you. You can give back to your community or the world at large in any number of ways including volunteering, centerpieces, doing a service project at your party, fundraising, giveaways, raising awareness about a cause or agency and philanthropic funds……the list is endless. Here are some tips on how to choose a project:

  • Consider what becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah means to you.
  • Think about challenges in the world that you would like your Bnai Mitzvah project to address.
  • Think about Mitzvah projects your friends and relatives have done. What did you like about them?
  • Contact organizations with whom you can partner for your project.
  • Learn more about the problem you are addressing.
  • Include information about your project in your invitation, at the service or party.

Before

  • Include information about your project in your invitation
  • Ask guests to make a donation or bring something appropriate, depending on your cause, such as stuffed animals to your celebration
  • Create a pamphlet about your cause and what your guests can do to help

During

  • Incorporate your Mitzvah project into your speech
  • Incorporate your Mitzvah project into your centerpieces and donate them to your organization after the event
  • Show a video or photo collage or your project at your celebration
  • Place information about your project on each of the tables
  • In lieu of party favors, make donations in honor of your guests

After

  • Reflect upon your experience:  How do you feel about what you did?  What feedback did you receive?
  • Donate your suit or dress
  • Donate any leftover food to a food pantry or homeless shelter
  • Donate a portion of your gift money to your organization
  • Inspire younger students to get involved in making a difference by sharing your experience of doing a Mitzvah project
  • Reference your project in your thank you notes
  • Continue volunteering and/or fundraising for your organization
  • Write thank you notes to everybody who helped make your project a success
  • Contact your local paper to highlight your Mitzvah project.

Further resources
Check out the Areyvut website for more project ideas or to find out about Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah service projects consultation.