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February 12, 1999/26 Shevat 5759, Vol. 51, No. 20
Federation's 'Super Sunday' totals $385,846
TAMI BICKLEY
Staff Writer
The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix announced that $385,846 was pledged Feb. 7 in its annual Super Sunday phonathon from donors in the Jewish community to the 1999 United Jewish Appeal/Federation Campaign.
This year's pledge total was down 24 percent from last year's, which was $507,486. But according to Art Paikowsky, executive vice president of the federation, the total isn't reflective of Super Sunday's success. In 1998, he noted, the federation called some of its biggest donors on Super Sunday, whereas this year, those same donors - some of whom increased their pledges - were contacted at a time other than Super Sunday, Paikowsky said.
"We anticipated that we wouldn't raise as much money (this year)," he said. "But we were very pleased with the amount of money we raised."
More than 250 volunteers spent the day making the calls, resulting in 1,409 gifts for the campaign. While the federation relies on many of its regular donors who pledge year-to-year, 107 first-time donors pledged in this year's phonathon, said federation spokeswoman Shirley Norris.
"There were people who had not given for various reasons last year," Paikowsky said. "But those same people decided to give this year. It wasn't that they had any concerns about what the federation does or is about. .. From our standpoint, the attitude in the community about the federation is very positive."
The 1999 campaign has generated $2,898,856 in pledges so far - an increase of $130,928 compared to the same time last year. Super Sunday donations will most likely account for nearly 10 percent of the annual campaign fund, Norris said. The campaign's annual total will be calculated on Dec. 31, 1999.
Money raise in the annual campaign supports social services, educational and humanitarian programs in the Valley, Israel and 60 countries around the world.
Hundreds of community members and Super Sunday volunteers also donated winter clothing that will be sent through the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee for people in need in the former Soviet Union.
To show its appreciation toward phonathon volunteers, the federation provided door prizes donated by local companies, such as a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant; a dozen roses; complimentary movie passes and ice cream coupons. Plus there was free ice cream after each shift.
Other features throughout the day included a brunch for Golden Givers volunteers, who have contributed to federation campaigns for at least 30 years; a dinner and social event for the Young Leadership Division of the federation; and a reunion for those who participated in the "Israel at 50" mission.
Paikowsky noted that the day not only advanced the campaign, but that there were "no glitches" at this year's phonathon.
"This year's Super Sunday was one of the most pleasant and productive I've ever been associated with," he added. "I really enjoyed the day."
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