An innovative competition titled Brackets For Good provided tremendous support for South Florida’s Holocaust Documentation and Education Center (HDEC), the organization behind South Florida’s first Holocaust Museum. In addition to raising more than $23,000 during the contest, the HDEC also received $10,000 for winning the entire challenge!

“This was an extraordinary and very exciting contest, with so many of our wonderful community nonprofits participating,” said HDEC President Rositta Kenigsberg.  We are so grateful to all who so graciously and generously supported us throughout this amazing tournament as well as for the unique opportunity that brought new attention and awareness to the fact that today, 37 years later, we are building the first South Florida Holocaust Museum so that all our children and grandchildren learn and understand that the meaning of ‘Never Again’ after the Holocaust, means Never Again to anyone, anywhere any place any time.

As in men’s college basketball tournament, 64 teams – in this case, 64 nonprofit organizations - begin the challenge.   Each dollar raised on bracketsforgood.org during a specific time period equals one point, and teams advance by raising more money than their opponent. After six rounds, only one nonprofit remains.  This year, the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center emerged victorious, generating $23,255.

Representing the HDEC were Susie Edelsburg and her daughter Michelle, who travelled to Indianapolis to accept the winner’s check.   Susie, who is a second-generation Holocaust Survivor, and Michelle, who is a third-generation Survivor, are both board members – were tremendous supporters of the entire fundraiser and were among the first donors for the challenge.   “We were happy to be a part of getting the ball rolling,” said Michelle.  “It was such a wonderful challenge. I was particularly touched by how all the nonprofits took tremendous interest in each other.”  She added that for everyone, the fundraising was a big lift to their bottom line, especially during months that don’t usually attract major contributors. 

The campaign was spearheaded by the HDEC’s Erin Cohen, Assistant to the President who energized the forces to raise important dollars.  “Our goal is to create ‘A Living Memorial Through Education’ and every dollar raised gives us the opportunity to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, and to examine the terrors of prejudice and hatred,” said Cohen. “Toward the end of the tournament, it was getting stressful – and exciting.  I was thrilled to take on the lead role in this remarkable fundraising drive, and even more delighted by the outcome.”

Cohen said she used emails and social media to drive awareness of the challenge, as well as word of mouth.  With more than 2,000 Twitter followers, she was able spread the word.  She also told anyone who came to explore the museum about Brackets for Good and was gratified at the positive response. 

Brackets for Good hosted tournaments in 11 cities throughout the nation, from February 24 until March 31.  This was the first year it was launched in Miami. 

“It was a great way to fundraise, friend-raise, gain awareness and build momentum,” Kenigsberg said.