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FC Volunteer End of Year Event

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Tuesday, May 20th, Friendship Circle marked the end of the year by celebrating both their boy and girl volunteers in two separate banquets at the Jewish Children’s Museum.

Both events had a barbeque theme, complete with checkered tablecloths and sunflowers to accent the delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, and salad bar.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Photos by Chana Lewis)

Director Rabbi Levi Eckhaus opened the evening by attributing a successful year to the dedication of the volunteers:

“Whether it’s the amount of FC children that have signed up, the Sunday Circle which hosts sixty children and volunteers, or our new volunteers every week, it’s all because of the unbelievable dedication from all of you,” said Eckhaus.

Brooklyn’s Friendship Circle Founder Mrs. Tzirl Goldman gave an emotional farewell to the Friendship Circle volunteer pioneers who joined when they were in 8th grade and are now graduating. She congratulated them for their instrumental part in building the success of Friendship Circle, and encouraged the girls to remain involved wherever their future may take them.

The FC staff would like to congratulate Chaish New, Hindy Yarmak, and Rishe Gopin on being elected by their peers to be the new Bais Rivkah Friendship Circle Presidents for the coming year. Congratulations to Mushky Kesselman who was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding commitment and dedication.

The boy’s event featured inspiration from former Co-Director Rabbi Mendel Nemes, who spoke of the many children’s lives have been changed because of the friendship they form with their volunteers. Rabbi Levi Eckhaus also shared with the boys how much they add to the program by being a friend to the boys in the community. An awards ceremony awarded Volunteers of the Year Levi Vogel and Yitzi Zakon for dedicating over 50 hours to Friendship Circle this year. Additionally, Levi Weinbaum was honored for his involvement, dedication, and outstanding contribution to the FC.

Eckhaus shared his awe at the commitment of the boy volunteers.

“I’m so inspired by you guys,” he said, “You sit in school for fourteen hours and still find the time to spend with a child with special needs. It’s admirable.”

Both events were highlighted with entertainment by world renowned mind reader Ted James, who kept both audiences spellbound by reading thoughts, phone numbers, birthdays and names. As a token of appreciation from FC, all volunteers proudly went home wearing new Friendship Circle “Volunteers ’08!” sweatshirts.

Many thanks to Rabbi Levi and Chayle Eckhaus for their amazing commitment to Friendship Circle, and constant dedication to expanding this incredible program in our community.

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30 Comments

  • Ariella

    This is absolutely beautiful!!!
    I am looking at this and telling myself what wonderful people there are in Crown Heights!
    Especially all the Bais Rivkah girls!
    Keep up the great work Ita, Chana, Devorah, Chaya and Mushka!
    We love you here in Germany!!
    One again Thank you soo much!!

  • P s Mom

    As a mother of a girl who is on the recieving end of the FC, i must commend the volunteers for their total lack of devotion and sincere love they display to every child. I am in awe of each and every one of them. Thank you girls for making my daughter feel so special and thank you Chayala Eckhaus for peparing all these programs with so much love and care. May Hashem bentch you all with an abundance of brochas for all the good you show others.

  • spell cheak

    your cousin,
    go learn to spell….or use a dictionary

    levi weinbaum, your beard is amazingly red….

    FC volunteers, you should be proud of the amazing work you are doing and keep it up becuase you help so many ppl with your good work.

  • friend

    Malka and Chaya you rockkkk!!!! Seriously this would have beeen nothinggggggg without you guys!!
    Im so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • A PROUD CROWN HEIGHTSER

    to r’ levi eckhous “YESHAR KOACH”
    for all the amezing work (DAY AND NGHIT)that you and your wife put in to this great cause!

    my you guys go frome
    “CHAIL LE CHAIL”

  • a person

    to your cousin:
    if yur gooing to lern how to spel than mak shoor yoo doo it rhite!

    and to al thos peeple out there in the frind ship sercal: thank yoo soo mush fur everything yoor dooing and keeep up he grate work!

  • TO: P S MOM

    what do you mean their total LACK of devotion i think they are really devoted

  • moshke

    BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCHAAAA Ezagui!!!!!
    Ya Looking Awsomeeee!!!

    Keep it up!!!1