West Coast Chabad Telethon Takes in $7.2 Million

Viewers pledged close to $7.2 million by the end of the 2007 "To Life" Telethon, a project of Chabad-Lubavitch of the West Coast.

The 27th annual Telethon boasted a star-studded lineup of guests, including film producer Jerry Weintraub and actor Jon Voight, and a host of Jewish musical performances.

Highlights included Chassidic singer Avraham Fried's enactment of Yom Kippur's Kol Nidrei service and a performance by six-year-old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick.

Actor/comedian Elon Gold hosted the fundraising event; the proceeds will go towards programs run by Chabad of the West Coast, headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif.