Reply To: Getting an Aliya by Krias HaTorah

After your aliya, the gabbai asks the oleh for a list of names to read out. What is the purpose and benefit of him saying those names, and which people should the oleh mention to the gabbai (his wife, all children, friends)?

And the gabbai also asks for a donation amount. How much is typical pledge (Shabbos or weekday)? And why do some people simply say “matana” instead of an actual amount, and what does giving a matana mean?