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February 14, 2003/Adar 12 5763, Vol. 55, No. 25
Valley pledges exceed $6 million
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Though contributions to the 2002 Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix were down compared to 2001, one of the factors could be the amount of money raised by the Israel Now campaign, noted a federation spokeswoman.
The 2002 annual campaign raised less than $5 million, while the 2001 campaign raised more than $5.1 million, according to a federation press release. However, the 2002 Israel Now campaign -providing fences, armored vehicles and counseling in Israel - raised an additional $1.2 million.
Though the 2002 annual campaign totals in isolation were disappointing, when those results are combined with contributions to the Israel Now campaign, the community donated more money to federation in 2002 than in 2001, said Shirley Norris, federation marketing director.
For the 2002 annual campaign, there were 5,458 donors, compared to 5,312 in 2001, an increase of 146. However, they contributed $150,000 less.
Because of the sluggish economy, repeat givers lowered their pledges, and first-time givers pledged at lower levels than desired, said Pamela White, federation campaign operations director.
However, in the 2003 annual campaign, 1,316 people have pledged more than $2.3 million so far, representing an 8 percent increase than their previous year's pledge, according to a federation press release.
Of the money raised during an annual campaign, approximately 35 percent remains in the Valley to help fund federation and its 11 constituent agencies. The remaining contributions aid Israel and other countries, White explained.
The community can still contribute to Israel's security, but the Israel Now campaign has been renamed Israel Emergency, she noted.
In addition, Israel Emergency and the annual campaign are no longer separate fund-raising efforts, she said.
Repeat donors can designate to Israel Emergency only 50 percent of the increase between their 2002 contribution to the annual campaign and their 2003 pledge. For instance, if a donor gave $50 last year and pledged $100 this year, up to $25 can be designated to the Israel Emergency campaign.
First-time federation donors can pledge any amount to Israel Emergency, said Norris.
The Annual Campaign's Super Sunday phonathon is scheduled for March 16.
Federation will then devote March 17-27 - designated "Super Weeks" - to reach additional donors, said Norris. To volunteer call Ernie at the federation office, 480-634-4900, ext. 1119 or register online at www.jewishphoenix.org.
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