Cleveland Welfare Fund Raises $6,268,652; Highest Record in 63 Years

The 1966 Jewish Welfare Fund Appeal closed here with a dinner-meeting at which pledges totaling $6, 268, 652 were reported, the greatest amount in the 63-year history of the Jewish Community Federation, sponsor of the annual campaign.

An enthusiastic audience of more than 500 campaigners cheered announcement of the final figures that surpassed the $6, 220, 000 goal. The previous high was obtained last year when the campaign realized $6, 070, 220. Samuel E. Miller, general chairman, who presided, declared that this was the first time in many years that the appeal had mounted two consecutive goal-topping campaigns. It was believed to be the first time in Welfare Fund history that every division exceeded its quota.

David N. Myers, president of the Federation, paid tribute to the role of former campaign chairmen. Their achievements and continued interest, he stated, had shaped the “pattern of the record-setting triumph.” Responding for the group of veteran campaign leaders was Maurice Saltzman, philanthropist, Federation vice-president and former campaign chairman, who noted that Mr. Miller had also been chairman of the 1965 campaign and had thus been the leader of “back-to-back record-smashing achievements.” He pointed out that Mr. Miller had led two appeals that had realized the “tremendous two-year total of more than $12, 300, 000.”

On behalf of the campaign organization, Mr. Saltzman presented the Soncino 18 volume edition of the Talmud to Mr. Miller and cited the latter’s “deep convictions about Jewish life and his interest in Jewish learning.” Mr. Miller commended the “excellent cooperation” between the campaign volunteers and the professional staff and praised the effective work of Henry L. Zucker, executive vice-president of the Federation and director of the Welfare Fund Campaign,