With help from a roomful of volunteers and a parade of politicians, the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County eclipsed last year's record-breaking total for Super Sunday by bringing in $523,000.

The annual fund-raiser, held Nov. 18, drew about 175 volunteers to the federation's South River offices. There teens, adults, and seniors joined in making calls to community members who ignored grim economic headlines to focus on helping their fellow Jews locally and around the world.

"We are pleased that people responded so generously despite what you read about lagging home sales and retail sales," said federation associate executive director Susan Antman. "It is symbolic of the caring and concern that is a part of this community."

This year's total came out ahead of last year's $519,000, which had smashed the previous record in a year when concern was running high for Israel's safety in the wake of the war in Lebanon.

"When people picked up the phone they did not ask specifically where that money was going, but trusted the federation would be using it to help people throughout Middlesex County, in Israel, and around the world," said Antman. "It is so important that people continue to donate in a bad economy, where we may find that people need many more meals delivered or have more needs that must be met. That's what we're here for."

Locally, a donation to federation benefits day schools, synagogues, the Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Greater Middlesex County, senior services, Rutgers Hillel, and other institutions and vital needs. In Israel and around the world, it supports an array of immigration, educational, religious, and social action initiatives.

Thanks to a $1.2 million jumpstart from its annual Vanguard event in August, the 2008 campaign already stands at $1,945,000 toward a campaign goal of $2,625,000. Federation's fiscal year ends June 30.

"We're 75 percent of the way there," said Antman.

As in other years, government leaders dropped by to offer words of encouragement.

Gov. Jon Corzine praised Jewish federations for helping those in need.

"Our religious traditions tell us we should all pitch in to make a difference in other people's lives," he told the gathering. "I'm grateful that you in federation feel a responsibility to help those left behind…. You do the work of goodness and I'm very, very grateful."

Corzine also touched on the increasing threat Iran poses to Israel and the world and assured those gathered that plans were going forward to divest the state pension plan of Iranian holdings.

He said it was humanity's responsibility to speak up and remember such occurrences as the Holocaust or the genocide currently taking place in Darfur.

Federation president Lee Livingston thanked the governor for his shared vision of the work the federation does in the local community and in Israel. He then issued an invitation to Corzine to join the federation's April mission to Israel to celebrate the country's 60th anniversary.

State Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Dist. 18), a convert to Judaism, said she had been introduced to the work of federation by her late father-in-law.

"He always said it was people who were important," said Buono. "I'm here to let others know that I will do everything I can to help federation achieve our common goals."

Middlesex County Freeholder Director David Crabiel was also at Super Sunday; he praised the federation and announced he was raising his gift by 20 percent.

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Karen Reichel of Edison, a board member of the Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Middlesex County, said she was a first-time Super Sunday caller.

"It's great getting to speak to people," said Reichel, whose teenage son went to Israel several years ago through a federation scholarship. "The responses I'm getting from people are really positive."

Rutgers University student Lauren Silver of East Brunswick said it was her first time calling for federation, although she had experience soliciting pledges for her school.

"I think it's really important to get involved," she said.

Harry Glazer of Highland Park, a former president of Congregation Ahavas Achim, said he volunteers because he believes in "ahavas Yisroel [love of the Jewish people], and I think federation does a great job of that in all segments of the community."

Even youngsters, who helped out by running pledges to the volunteers who were doing the tallies, knew the value of helping federation.

Brandon Craig and Patrick Tamborino, 11-year-olds from East Brunswick, said they were not Jewish, but still wanted to volunteer.

"I think everybody should help out whether they are Jewish or Christian because of the good things Jewish federation does for the community," said Brandon.