New Development Director hopes to raise $1.3 million this year

Bored during a free period? New Director of Development Cheryl Wolf has candy on her desk and wants students to come and talk with her.

Ms. Wolf has taken up a new post as Director of Development, making her responsible for raising funds for the school for scholarships and the Poland-Israel Experience, among other things.

Ms. Wolf, who wants students to call her Cheryl, received her Bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge, where she majored in Child Development and minored in Administration. She has two children, ages 18 and 21.

Previously she worked in the development department for the treatment center Beit T’shuva for three years, and earlier was her kids’ pre-school PTA president at Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks.

“I was looking for a change to expand my career,” said Ms. Wolf, who also has worked as a pre-school and religious school teacher. “I love working with kids and adolescents and I saw this posting, and it was getting me back into a school environment which is my true passion.”

This year, Shalhevet’s fundraising goal is $1.3 million. Most of that is raised from the annual campaign, but among Ms. Wolf’s initiatives is an intergenerational women’s luncheon where A Girl’s Lounge founder Shelley Zalis will speak. A boutique is also planned.

Last year, the school raised close to $1 million dollars, Ms. Wolf said.

“We are blessed because so many people believe in our amazing school that people just come forward and want to give,” she said.

Outside of school, Ms. Wolf loves to travel just about anywhere; her favorite place to go is New York and she has not been to Israel yet.

“It devastates me, I need to go,” she said.

She also likes to hang out with her family and just started knitting. And Ms. Wolf really wants to get to know the students.

“I have candy on my desk and I want kids to come in,” she said.