United Jewish Fund Raises $5 Million

San Fernando Valley residents pledged more than $1.7 million Sunday during a countywide telephone fund-raising push sponsored by the United Jewish Fund to help the needy, including Jewish immigrants.

The event raised more than $5 million from Los Angeles County residents and met its goal of exceeding last year’s $4-million total. Volunteers at the Valley center raised the second-highest amount of five centers in the county. Fund officials estimate that the Valley has 300,000 Jewish people, the highest Jewish population of any Los Angeles area.

The telephone appeal kicked off a three-month fund-raising effort. Proceeds will be used to pay for humanitarian and social service programs in Los Angeles and 33 countries. Some money will go toward helping Jewish immigrants resettle in California.

“They come out with pennies in their pockets and are ready to start a new life,” said Aaron Zimmer, chairman of the Valley’s telephone fund-raiser. “During a period of transition, we supply the room and board and often transportation.”