The 25th year of campaigning for the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York opened today with a rally of 3,000 Women’s Division volunteers at the Americana Hotel, followed by two luncheons at which 600 of the division’s leading contributors announced gifts totaling $1,275,000.
Peace Corps Director Robert Shriver, Jr., received the first Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial Award in a ceremony at the morning rally. Mrs. Roosevelt’s son, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., newly appointed Undersecretary of Commerce, made the presentation on behalf of the New York UJA Women’s Division.
The award, given for “notable achievement in enhancing the dignity of man, in keeping with the life long ideals of Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt,” in the form of a silver plaque, commemorates Mrs. Roosevelt’s long-standing interest in causes aided by UJA, and her frequent participation in its activities. It was presented to Mr. Shriver in recognition of the accomplishments of Peace Corps volunteers in helping the people of underdeveloped lands make progress toward better lives.
The rally was presided over by Mrs. Harold J. Cohen who is serving as chairman of the 1963 Women’s Division campaign, together with Mrs. Francis J. Bloustein. On the program was a documentary presentation narrated by Mrs. Bloustein, entitled: “Where Were You in 1939?” the year the United Jewish Appeal was founded.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
