Chabad schools from coast to coast are leading the race to win $500,000 in the Kohl’s Cares contest currently running on Facebook. At the time of publication, 22 Chabad schools were among the top 50 vote-getters; seven of those were in the top ten.

Cheder Menachem, a school for boys from kindergarten through eighth grade in Los Angeles, California, was in first place with 15,921 votes. The Silverstein Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, New York, was running close behind with 15,614 votes.

Kohl’s will award $500,000 to each of the top 20 schools, for a total of $10 million, in a competition that started July 7 and runs until September 3. Voting is open to anyone with a Facebook account who “likes” Kohl’s or is a “fan.” Each person is allowed up to 20 votes, with a maximum of five votes for any individual school.

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All nonprofit public, private and charter schools with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are eligible to participate.

When asked to recommend ways for their favorite schools to use the prize money, supporters of Cheder Menachem suggested a new playground, improved recreational facilities, an auditorium where graduation ceremonies could be held, and more scholarship assistance for students whose families cannot afford the tuition.

Dovid Ezagui, director of the Silverstein Hebrew Academy, thanked those who are helping to promote the school.

“Let’s not give up on our Chabad schools,” said Ezagui, “keep on voting. If you have not voted yet, please take the minute to do so. Your vote can make all the difference.”

Story time at the Torah Day School of Houston, TX
Story time at the Torah Day School of Houston, TX

The following Chabad schools, listed in order of votes, were in the top 20 at publication time: Cheder Menachem, Los Angeles, California; Silverstein Hebrew Academy, Great Neck, New York; Hebrew Academy Community School, Margate, Florida; Jewish School of The Arts, North Palm Beach, Florida; Sha'arei Zion Ohel Bracha, Forest Hills, New York; Charlotte Jewish Day School, Charlotte, North Carolina; Bais Chaya Mushka School, Los Angeles, California; Chabad Hebrew Academy, San Diego, California; United Lubavitcher Yeshiva Crown Street, Brooklyn, New York; Hebrew Academy, Huntington Beach, California; Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy Formerly New Haven Hebrew Day School, Orange, Connecticut.

The $10 million in prize money is being donated in honor of the 10th anniversary of Kohl’s Cares LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores. The philanthropic program supports children’s health and education initiatives in communities throughout the United States. According to a press release issued by the company, this program is part of a Back-to-School campaign.

“As kids and parents think about the new school year, we want everyone to dream big about how half a million dollars could impact their favorite school,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

To participate in the voting or view the complete list of competing schools, go to www.facebook.com/kohls.