Entertaining the community to raise $12 million
THE Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) will try and raise $12.1 million this year with a raft of young, inspirational and entertaining speakers set to appear at communal events across Sydney throughout the coming months.
THE Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) will try and raise $12.1 million this year with a raft of young, inspirational and entertaining speakers set to appear at communal events across Sydney throughout the coming months.
After years of showcasing business leaders, the JCA’s 2012 campaign will feature comedian Ahn Do, seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley, internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, Olympic gold-medallist Alisa Camplin and Gil Hicks, who lost both of her legs below the knee in the London terrorist bombings in 2005.
The line-up was announced at the 2012 campaign launch on Tuesday night, along with the JCA’s first major sponsor Investec.
JCA vice-president and appeals chairman Michael Graf said it was important for the organisation to move in a new direction.
“The speakers’ stories are global and diverse and we believe people will be excited to attend our events thereby supporting our community,” Graf said.
JCA chief executive Ian Sandler said that while he hopes more people will attend the functions because of the great quality of speakers, his organisation is realistic about the current economic climate.
“We are aiming to raise the same amount as last year because with what is going on in the world, we are being conservative,” Sandler said.
“We obviously want to raise more money, but when you look at the budget, you have to be reasonable and realistic, otherwise our organisations will plan for fantastic payouts and programs that we simply can’t afford.
“It’s a tough time and we need the people to step up.”
The JCA has been able to maintain allocations despite a dip in fundraising since the start of the global financial crisis.
“When we were making the huge investment returns we didn’t spend it all and instead put it away to be distributed for times like now.”
The JCA raises money for 21 constituent organisations including schools and the educational board, communal and cultural services, adult services and community care organisations.
JOSHUA LEVI
Investec chief executive officer David Clarke spoke at the JCA’s launch event after his company was announced as the JCA’s new major sponsor.
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