Despite a sluggish economy, a record total of $44 million was pledged at the inaugural event of UJA-Federation of New York’s 2012 Annual Campaign this week. The figure was $500,000 more than last year’s and $1 million more than the total pledged two years ago.
“In a time of great economic uncertainty, such loyalty and generosity is astonishing and inspiring,” said Jerry Levin, UJA-Federation president, in a release.
UJA-Federation’s overall campaign raised $188 million in 2010-2011, an increase of $7 million from 2009-2010. The total for 2008-2009, the year the recession hit, was $215 million.
The funds raised nationally by the Jewish Federations of North America were similarly affected by the 2008 economic downturn, decreasing from $1.04 billion in 2008-2009 to $938 million the next year and $925 million in 2010-‘11. Fundraising for this year’s campaign is “looking up,” a JFNA spokesman told JTA earlier this year.
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor was keynote speaker at this week inaugural event at the home of Andrew and Ann Tisch, where Alan “Ace” and Kathy Greenberg were honored for their the 25 years of hosting and generosity.
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