Friendship Circle Lauds Volunteers

PHOENIX, AZ — On Thursday, June 12th, a gathering in excess of 150 people celebrated the accomplishments of the Friendship Circle of Arizona, focusing on those achieved over the past year. The “2nd Annual Evening of Recognition” took place at Chabad Of Phoenix and honored 44 teen volunteers – more than ever before! Here is some additional detail on the highlights.

Video and pictures in the Extended Article!

The evening began as guests were warmly greeted by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. The perpetual photo montage which guests had the opportunity to view as they checked in was inspirational and helped set the tone for the meaningful program to come.

During the Reception, it was clear that for the teen volunteers, Friendship Circle service has had the additional benefit of creating friendships among the young people themselves. They happily mingled over the beautiful spread of hors d’ouvres.,

The program began with Mr. Jordan Kroop welcoming everyone and introducing Rabbi Zalman Levertov for some words of inspiration. Mr. Stuart Turgel of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix spoke about the special relationship between the Friendship Circle and the foundation.

Further insight into the benefits of Friendship Circle’s work was provided by Mrs. Debbie Blyn, mother of a child with special needs, Jared. Her talk included a touching piece of what it means to Jared and the rest of the family to have the Friendship Circle in their lives.

Next spoke Mr. Matt Lehrman, father of Friendship Circle Volunteer Marissa. He spoke about the change he has seen in his daughter through her volunteering in the Friendship Circle.

Volunteer Jessica Roussel spoke about how much she has learning from her special friend. Her commitment, dedication and love earned her a trip, one of fifty girls in the country, to the Friendship Circle Teen leadership conference in Detroit this past winter. It was incredible to hear how her volunteering experience changed her views and goals in life.

Dinner followed. A special thank you to Scottsdale Café for donating the ribs. A special Thank you for helping to prepare the dinner to: Tzivia Haliyan, Sashie Levertov, Alison Steiman, Tamara, Joni Schafer, Mercedes Roussel, Tzippy Levertov, Natilie Portal.

The video presentation brought an emotional wave to the crowd. How wonderful it was to see the families rejoicing in the Jewish experience in a warm and welcoming environment.

In finale, Rabbi Mendy Levertov honored the volunteers and the friendships they have formed this past year saying ‘I think that some of the most beautiful angels do not reside in the heavens, but are right here on earth. They are those special human beings who stand ready to bring comfort and joy into the lives of those who need it most. I suggest to you that, tonight, this room is filled with many such angels.’

The evening came to a close with Dr. Melmed from the The Melmed Center sharing how when Rabbi Mendy & Leah came to him 3 years ago and told him they want to start the Friendship Circle, he didn’t believe they would be able to pull it off… look now three years later, we can already see the tremendous positive change that the Friendship Circle is having in our community.

The Awards and the Mathew Owen Steiman Fellowship Awards were given out. After hearing a little bit about a bit of History of Mathew Owen Steiman, Mr. Mitch Steiman presented the Mathew Owen Steiman Fellowship Awars to the volunteers that attained the required 25 credits of volunteering. The volunteer were rewarded for their devotion, time and affection towards our community’s special children.

A Lavish Desert Buffet was preaprerd by Mercedes Roussel. Thank You!

Special Thank you to a few people and companies that were instumental in this Dinner

* Jared Blake Entertainment

*Scottsdale Kosher for donating all the meat products

* ELB USA for printing of the invitations and photographs

* Barrington Florists for donating the center pieces

* May Photography

* Stewart Video

* Merceded Roussel & everyone else that helped

* Tammy from Arizona Event Planner