Elton J. Kerness

The author of "Fund Raising" published by Cottage press, has long been considered one of the country's most innovative community leaders.

Mr. Kerness developed "Super Sunday", which has become a mainstay of the Federations throughout North America and the largest one day telephone fund raiser in the history of philanthropy. Each year, across the country, over 60 million dollars is raised through the Federated system thanks to the program.

In 1984, while serving as the Vice President for Campaign of the United Jewish Appeal, Mr. Kerness named, planned and implemented "Operation Moses", the fund raising effort that went over its goal of 60 million dollars for the rescue of Ethiopian Jewry. Mr. Kerness has designed and developed programs such as "The President's Mission, Mission of a Lifetime, March for Israel, 60 Days for Renewal, The Ambassador's Mission, 14 Days in June and An Evening With....." programs that have been replicated throughout the United States and Canada raising millions of dollars to meet human needs.

Under his direction as the Executive Vice President of the UJA/Federation of Greater Washington, D.C., the community was awarded both the Sapir Award from the United Jewish Appeal and the Schroeder Award from the Council of Jewish Federations. These are the highest honors that could have been given to a Federation. ( The United Jewish Appeal and the Council of Jewish federations have now merged into the United Jewish Communities.)

Mr. Kerness has designed and developed programs such as "The President's Mission, Mission of a Lifetime, March for Israel, 60 Days for Renewal, The Ambassador's Mission, 14 Days in June and An Evening With....." programs that have been replicated throughout the United States and Canada raising millions of dollars to meet human needs.

Mr. Kerness is constantly sought as a motivational speaker and highly skilled trainer and lecturer for fund raising campaigns. As a Consultant he has and currently works with The National Parkinson Foundation, The B'nai B'rith, The American Jewish Congress, The National Association of Social Workers, The Zionist Organization of America, The Yeshiva High School, Jewish Federations in Atlanta, Chicago, North Jersey, Birmingham, New Orleans and Winnipeg Canada, as well as with United Ways and Temples throughout the Country.

Mr. Kerness has been a "Keynote Speaker" at the annual convention of the National Association of Social Workers, in Philadelphia, speaking on "How to plan and run a successful Capital Campaign".