Broadcaster and child welfare campaigner Esther Rantzen helped Leeds UJIA ladies raise £23,000 from their annual lunch at Alwoodley's United Hebrew Congregation.
The 150 guests heard Ms Rantzen talk about career highlights and her shock at revelations about her family's past when participating in the BBC's genealogy show, Who Do You Think You Are?
Event organiser Norma Collins was "thrilled to bits with the support we got and there was a real buzz in the audience".
Added UJIA regional director Howard Foreman (pictured with Ms Rantzen): "It was an excellent event and we appreciate Esther taking time in her very busy schedule to spend with our women."