Reply To: Getting an Aliya by Krias HaTorah

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

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