JCA’s half-a-mill shortfall

THE Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) fell half-a-million dollars short of its 2010 fundraising goal, it announced this week. But it insisted allocations to communal organisations will not suffer, because it also  received an increase in bequests.

JCA chief executive Ian Sandler stated this week the organisation had raised $12 million during its 2010 annual campaign.

He said the shortfall was due to an upsurge in donations for JewishCare.

“JewishCare raised a lot of money during its capital appeal and we had quite a few donors who said that because they were giving so much money to JewishCare they weren’t able to give to JCA last year,” Sandler said. “The allocations, however, will remain stable, at around $11 million, because bequests have gone up substantially.”

While JCA may have missed its target last year, it hasn’t stopped the fundraiser from aiming high for 2011. “The target for this year is $13 million and we think it’s achievable,” he said of the 2011 campaign, which is about to kick off.

Sandler said, as in 2010, the success of the capital appeal, which this year will benefit Moriah College, could affect the amount raised because Moriah has many wealthy donors.

“When you look at the two big organisations that have capital appeals, it is JewishCare and Moriah, and that could impact us,” he explained. “We are thankful that people give to the community and we can’t question donors.”

The 2011 appeal begins on Wednesday night  with television personality Mike Munro addressing the Women’s Gold event.

Munro will talk about his mother’s battle with alcoholism and how it has shaped his life.

“A lot of people think they are going to hear about movie stars, but I try and make it inspirational,” Munro said, adding he finds it easy speaking to groups of women.

“I was an only child because my mum left my father after four years of marriage and then I grew up in a monastery,” he said. “I grew up with a woman and I’ve never been a Friday night at the pub sort of guy. I much prefer the company of women, so I’m looking forward to it.”

JOSHUA LEVI

From left: Liz Stoliar, Jacqueline Pascarl, Eci White and Sharon Hendler during the 2010 JCA appeal.