Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Breaks Records at Annual Phone-A-Thon

LEHIGH VALLEY – With 135 volunteers from across the Lehigh Valley making calls at its annual “Super Sunday” phone-a-thon on January 27, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley brought in a recordbreaking $71,500 in donations in one day, a 40 percent increase over last year. 

Newly elected U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright was in attendance at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown, and U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent was on hand to read a PJ Library story about the value of giving to the children. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was also a reader, along with state Rep. Mike Schlossberg. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and Easton Mayor Sal Panto greeted their constituents, along with state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and state Rep. Gary Day.  

“It was a huge showing of support for the Jewish community and everything that we do,” said Mark L. Goldstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “Our elected officials know what an important role our community plays in the greater Lehigh Valley, and their presence was indicative of that.” 

The money raised at Super Sunday plays a vital role in the Federation’s $2.2 million annual campaign by allowing as many people as possible to do their part to help the Jewish community. More than 1,000 calls were placed on Super Sunday. Funds raised by the annual campaign provide support to local agencies such as the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Day School and Jewish Family Service; Jewish communities around the world and in Israel; and humanitarian relief efforts internationally. In the past year, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community raised humanitarian aid in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and the escalating crisis in Israel. 

The Federation’s volunteers represent all parts of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community – from Easton to Allentown. College students from Lehigh University, Lafayette College and Muhlenberg College made calls on behalf of the campaign, and teens from area youth groups were on hand to make thank-you calls to donors who have already pledged their support to the Jewish Federation’s annual fundraising effort. 

“Our volunteers and donors really stepped up this year and we can’t thank them enough,” said Judy Diamondstein, assistant executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, especially noting the hard work of event co-chairs Iris and Jonathan Epstein. “Nothing we do would be possible without their unwavering commitment.”  

Together with our donors, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley works to make our community and the world a better place. Acting on our core values of compassion, charity, generosity and responsibility, we care for people in need and inspire Jewish life and learning. As part of the Jewish Federation movement, the leading Jewish philanthropy in North America, we are able to advocate nationally and quickly mobilize resources in times of crisis.