PENNSYLVANIA, August 3, 2026–More than 200 Jewish teens participating in BBYO's International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) this summer raised over $55,000 at BBYO-THON, an annual teen-led fundraising initiative. This year, participants chose to support the American Transplant Foundation while also dedicating a portion of the funds raised to BBYO's International Service Fund (ISF).  

The fundraiser was planned and executed by a committee of 22 teens selected at the start of ILTC, BBYO's flagship summer leadership development experience. The committee was tasked with identifying a cause, organizing the event, and mobilizing participants to raise funds through outreach to friends, family members, and supporters. 

This year's committee chose to support the American Transplant Foundation in honor of two male-identifying members (Alephs) from the BBYO community who recently and tragically passed away. After learning that the two teens' decisions to become organ donors helped save the lives of several other individuals, committee members were inspired to raise money for an organization that assists transplant recipients and their families while promoting awareness of the life-saving impact of organ donation. 

"We wanted to honor these Alephs’ memories in a way that reflected the impact they continue to have on the world. Supporting the American Transplant Foundation felt like an opportunity to celebrate their legacy, raise awareness about the importance of organ donation, and help families navigating the transplant journey,” said Yuval Y. of Lonestar Region and Milo H. of Ohio Northern Region. “Seeing our friends, families, and the broader BBYO community come together to support this cause reminded us how powerful our Movement can be when we unite around something bigger than ourselves." 

The committee initially set out to raise as much as possible within 24 hours, with plans to announce the fundraising total before the Sabbath. However, after an overwhelming response from donors, organizers extended the campaign for several additional days, ultimately raising more than $55,000. 

Seventy-five percent of the funds raised will support the American Transplant Foundation, with the remaining 25 percent benefiting BBYO's International Service Fund, the organization's teen-led philanthropic fund. Since 2004, BBYO teens have raised more than $1.5 million through the ISF to provide scholarships, support philanthropic initiatives, and respond to communities in times of crisis. 

"What made this effort so remarkable was that it was entirely driven by teens," said Ashley Waller, BBYO’s Regional Director of Cincinnati and a member of the ILTC Experience Team. "They identified the cause, shared the vision, made calls, inspired donors, and led every aspect of the fundraiser. Watching them channel their compassion for fellow BBYO members into meaningful action was one of the most powerful examples of peer leadership I've seen." 

ILTC brings together Jewish teens from around the world to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare to lead within their communities and beyond. Through initiatives like BBYO-THON, participants are empowered to put those leadership lessons into action while making a tangible difference in the lives of others. 

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About BBYO 

BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. For more than 100 years, BBYO’s purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO’s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), provide exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, many summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO’s programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values.   

 Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”