Jersey Friendship Circle Receives Half Million

Volunteers prepared the central hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark for more than 800 guests at a recent gala dinner benefitting the Friendship Circle of MetroWest.

The Friendship Circle of MetroWest in Livingston, N.J., received a gift of $500,000, effectively guaranteeing the organization’s stability and growth, announced directors Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Zalman and Toba Grossbaum.

Jerry and Paula Gottesman, left, stand on stage with Friendship Circle directors Rabbi Zalman and Toba Grossbaum. The Gottesmans gave $500,000 to the organization, effectively guaranteeing its stability and growth. They were one of three couples honored at the dinner.

More than 800 people attended the gala.

Confetti covered the stage following a performance by Friendship Circle children. The organization pairs teenage volunteers with children with special needs.

Friendship Circle volunteer Eli Schechner and “special friend” Joseph Volfman participated in the live performance.

Honoree Dara Barness addressed the event.

Honoree Scott Krieger also took the podium.