New Yorkers responded with $3,607,483 in pledges to “A Night For Miracles,” the television appeal in behalf of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Joint Campaign broadcast on WPIX-TV (Channel II), it was reported here today.
With Alan King acting as host to dozens of entertainment stars and other celebrities, the five-hour broadcast, which began Saturday night and ended early yesterday morning, launched 96 hours of mass campaigning–“Miracle Mobilization “77”–by television and telephone for humanitarian aid to endangered, oppressed and needy Jews in Israel, elsewhere overseas and here at home. The $3,607,483 comprised pledges received within 24 hours after the television appeal began.
Some 6000 volunteers are expected to obtain at least 75,000 contributions by the time the most intensive and widespread effort the Jewish community of New York City, Westchester and Long Island has ever undertaken in support of the UJA-Federation Joint Campaign which concludes Wednesday evening. “Miracle Mobilization “77” is led by Stephen Shalom, chairman with Mrs. Jeanne Ende of Manhattan and Abner Levine, cochairmen.
In Manhattan, a battery of 250 phones at the East Side Airlines Terminal is being operated by 3000 volunteers calling prospects residing in the five boroughs. On Long Island, 2000 volunteers are operating 200 phones installed in the Roosevelt Raceway Clubhouse, Westbury, and the Suffolk UJA-Federation office in Melville. In Westchester, 1000 volunteers are making calls from the UJA-Federation Westchester office in Hartsdale.
“Miracle Mobilization “77” was named in allusion to miraculous events through the ages–from those recorded in the Bible to the Entebbe rescue of July 4, 1976–which are regarded as significant in the survival of the Jewish people.
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