Benefit Concert and Dessert Reception
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| Jeremy Siskind in concert |
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| Legislator Steve Stern presents a proclamation to honorees Robyn and Dr. Michael Weiner |
On April 18, M’Yad L’Yad supporters sent a strong message that difficult times will not stand in the way of providing help for those less fortunate. Almost 170 people packed the ballroom at the Hamlet Country Club in Commack for a benefit concert honoring our supporters, Robyn & Dr. Michael Weiner.
The evening, which was co-chaired by Marilyn Leibowitz and Renay Weisberg, began with attendees crowding around the raffle tables, selecting items they wished to bid on in the Chinese auction. Dozens of prizes were offered, including a dinner at Café Buenos Aires in Huntington, a tour of the Capitol in Washington led by Congressman Steve Israel, an overnight stay at the Huntington Hilton, and a performance by the Moriel Chamber Players. The room was beautifully set with tables offering fruit salad and coffee as guests greeted friends, viewed the Scroll of Honor and purchased raffle tickets.
President Gloria Safran welcomed everyone, followed by Cantor Richard Pilatsky of Temple Beth Elohim in Old Bethpage (and a M’Yad L’Yad board member) who offered the invocation. The first of the raffles prizes were given out, and then the doors in the rear of the ballroom were opened to allow guests to partake of a delectable spread of desserts, including “make your own” sundaes, a chocolate fountain, cakes, cookies, fruit and more. As attendees enjoyed their desserts and coffee, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern made two presentations - a proclamation to our honorees and a check to M’Yad L’Yad in payment of a Suffolk County Community Support Initiative Grant which Legislator Stern was instrumental in helping us obtain. Gloria Safran then made presentations to our honorary co-chairs, Board Members Ilene and Jerry Herz, and Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone. Supervisor Petrone offered moving remarks about how he learned of M’Yad L’Yad and decided to commit himself to supporting us in our mission.
Steve Greenberg then introduced the honorees, Robyn & Michael Weiner, who have supported us in many ways over the years. Perhaps most significantly, the Weiners have encouraged the involvement of their children, Alyson and David, as well as many other young people in their synagogue, Temple Beth Torah in Melville, and at their children’s school, Half Hollow Hills High School East. The Weiners were presented with a beautiful Tzedakah Box as well as a poster-size copy of the Scroll of Honor, indicating the support of more than 200 Long Island individuals, families, and companies who generously donated in their honor. Following remarks by executive director Mark Zimmerman, the Jeremy Siskind Trio was introduced. This immensely talented group of musicians enthralled the audience with a wide variety of tunes, from the American songbook to original compositions. The evening ended with the remaining raffles being awarded, and everyone left with beautiful gift bags donated by Alfred Dunner.
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M’YAD L’YAD-Helping Hands was founded in 1998 to serve the poor, the disabled, the elderly, and others in need on Long Island. Volunteer sponsors are paired with recipients to provide assistance beyond the basic necessities, to enhance the lives of those in need. In keeping with one of the highest ideals of charitable giving within Judaism, our donors’ and recipients’ identities remain anonymous, thus maintaining the privacy and dignity of those participating.
For more information on how you, your family, your school, your synagogue, or other organization can work together with M’Yad L’Yad to address the problem of poverty on Long Island, please click on the links above.
