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Despite a chaotic economy, members of the Monmouth County Jewish community pledged an estimated $355,000 during Super Sunday on Dec. 6. The exact amount, which is still being tabulated, will exceed last year's figure of $350,000.

The event took place at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal and is the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County's biggest, one-day, community-wide fundraising effort.

"In spite of all the economic challenges, the pledge amounts showed that people believe in the federation system and the Jewish community," said Howard Gases, the federation's executive director. "They understand our mission and they show their support in this extremely important way."

And the day long event got off to a promising start: $32,000 was pledged during the first 30 minutes of Super Sunday, whose 200 volunteers staffed 50 phones, tended to administrative and mail room tasks, and made sure the food court had plenty to offer during three call shifts.

In addition, the federation collected more than $100,000 in pledges during its pre-Super Sunday mailing in November, and the amount also exceeded those of previous years, Gases said. The $100,000 was factored into the overall amount that was pledged Dec. 6, and the entire amount will become part of the federation's annual campaign, he added.

Other reasons for this year's successful outcome resulted from increased community outreach and corporate sponsorships, according to Evan Levitt, the federation's financial resource development director.

The JCC in Deal and Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls placed Super Sunday banners on their properties for several weeks prior to the Dec. 6 event. As soon as the banners went on display, there was an increase in the number of donors and volunteers who responded online, Levitt said.

"Next year, I hope we can get more agencies and synagogues to display the banners," Levitt said. "If we can advertise this way throughout the county's Jewish community, I think the results will be very positive."

At least 16 corporate sponsorships and the efforts of federation and beneficiary agency board members to recruit volunteers and encourage donors also contributed to the day's positive outcome, he added.

The campaign funds are used for a variety of projects and programs that include helping Israeli victims of terror; providing supplies for Israeli schools; provision of programs at Monmouth County's two Jewish community centers; offering food and companionship for the county's in-need and elderly population; and educational programs for Jewish youth. The federation also acts as an advocate for national and international Jewish causes.

The outpouring of donor generosity was especially gratifying in light of the troubled economy, said Andy Krantz and Cheryl Markbreiter, who co-chaired the event.

"We knew this year would be more challenging because of the economy, but people want to respond and they always will if they can," said Markbreiter, of Wayside. "Super Sunday has established a good reputation and the federation's projects strike a chord in everyone."

In some instances, however, the economy has changed the nature of Super Sunday donations, Krantz said.

"These are hard times, and some previous donors have suffered financial setbacks due to unemployment and other financial issues," said Krantz, also a Wayside resident. "They couldn't help us financially this time, even though they wanted to. In some cases, they are now the ones in need."

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R-Dist. 11), who visited the JCC during Super Sunday to voice her support for the event's volunteers and donors, said their efforts help bring communities together during a time when there are increased requests for services provided by organizations like the federation.

"I came to thank everyone for supporting the Jewish federation," Angelini said. "In Monmouth County, there is great affluence, but there are also many in need. It's more important than ever to have this kind of safety net for individuals and families in need."

Ellen Goldberg of Tinton Falls, who is a 5th-grade teacher in the Edison school district and has been a phone volunteer for eight years, has shared the lessons of community giving with her students.

"I continue to tell them about the importance of tikkun olam and giving back, and that young people can accomplish great things," Goldberg said. "And I'll be able to tell them that some of the people I called this year thanked me for making the calls and for being part of this effort. That's an important lesson to share."