The UJA-Federation of New York raised a record $45 million at its kickoff event for the philanthropy’s annual campaign.

The amount raised at Tuesday night’s campaign launch represented an increase of $1 million over the previous year.

“Each year, our community leaders have gathered to express their collective commitment to UJA-Federation’s annual campaign, which supports the 4.5 million people who count on us,” said Dan Och, senior chair of UJA-Federation’s Investment Management Division.

Och and his wife, Jane, hosted 125 philanthropists at the kickoff event at their home.

The kickof event, which was first held 26 years ago, has raised more than $760 million over the years. Also in attendance Tuesday night were Alan “Ace” Greenberg and wife Kathy, who hosted and led the event for its first 24 years.

Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg spoke about opportunities and challenges facing the Middle East.

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