Dear friends,

Since the depression era, our community has not undertaken a Combined Jewish Appeal in a tougher economic environment than we did this year.

I am so very proud that our donors listened to our case for giving, then gave with generosity and, yes, with courage. Because, uncertain about what the future holds for them, they, nonetheless, understood that the community needs to stand strong in tough times, and to stand for one another. Donors selflessly put aside their own concerns and considered the plight of those less fortunate. I applaud the compassion of everyone who offered a gift.

Once all pledges are accounted for, this year’s Campaign will have raised $36,558,557. In addition to this base contribution, we received another $3,589,574 in one-time and designated gifts for Israel and local needs.

I want to congratulate the Campaign leadership – Ian Karper, General Campaign Chair, Sandy Martz, Women’s Campaign Chair, Moise Amselem, Sepharade Campaign Chair, Galit Suissa Antebi, Sepharade Women’s Campaign Chair, Marc Kimmel, Young Leadership Campaign Chair, and Evan Paperman, Campus Campaign Chair. The job that they, and all of our volunteers, did was extraordinary. I also wish to thank the Campaign staff for their usual hard work and dedication.

While it is fair to say that we have weathered the worst of the storm, we anticipate that more people will turn to our family of agencies for help in the coming year and that it will be a challenge to meet their needs. At the same time, we continue to build a better community for the future: one that will have the resources to support our programs and institutions for generations to come.

If you have made a pledge, please note that you must pay it by December 31, 2009 in order to receive a tax receipt for this year. You may pay online at www.federationcja.org/donate.

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy Chanukah.

Jack Hasen
President
FEDERATIONCJA

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Federation CJA is a registered charitable organization pursuant to the Canadian Income Tax Act - Registration number: 106702251RR0001.
Federation CJA is a 501c(3) non-profit Community Organization - 98-018 3709.
All donations to Federation CJA are tax-deductible in full.