Community Magazine August 2012

Community Chest Lottie’s Kitchen Excites and Delights Lottie’s Kitchen, a divisionof theEzerMizion organization that provides assistance to families of ill patients in Israel, held its annual fundraiser on July 11th at the lovely home of Monique and David Haddad in Elberon, NJ. Over 2000 guests attended to support the organization’s vital work. Activities at the event included fascinating demonstrations by Levana Kirschenbaum from her new cookbook and an exciting Vegan Throwdown Competition hosted by Alice Adjmi. From the anticipation for of the lavish Chinese Auction, to the mouth-watering aromas emanating from the Lottie’s Kitchen Bakery, it was a day that permeated with excitement. Lottie’s Kitchen, which was founded in memory of Haim and Lottie Chalom, a’h, by their four daughters, provides over 4000 hot meals and snacks every week to weary and overwrought family members of patients dealing with serious illness or disability. Often, the needs of the family take their toll on the primary caretaker. Ezer Mizion’s volunteer network accompanies these families with a caring smile, knowledgeable advice and practical assistance, including nourishing meals. Many beneficiaries of Ezer Mizion’s services have testified that the organization was their lifeline during their time of crisis. Here are some comments that Ezer Mizion received from grateful family members of patients: At times, this was the only real food we ate all day! I am in the midst of supporting my spouse in his battle with cancer. Every day, I have the opportunity to observe your special dedication… I cannot find sufficient words to describe the joy my children and I felt when each delivery arrived at our door. We tangibly sensed the love and devotion in the way the food was packed… When the family members of a sick person are running around, confused, in pain, and worried, they totally ignore their daily needs. And then you appear, as if with a magic wand … The credit goes to the many loyal, devoted supporters of Lottie’s Kitchen, whose generosity has enabled the organization to provide each week: 1,500 meals to hospitals 150 meals to homes 1,700 sandwiches to hospitals 1,200 pastries to hospital emergency rooms and outpatient clinics. For more information about Lottie’s Kitchen, or to get involved, call 718-853-8400. 150-Mile Bike4Chai Tour Gears Up to Support Ill Children Over 200 elite and amateur cyclists are gearing up for what they hope to be a million-dollar ride. The third annual Bike4Chai ride is a two-day, two-state fundraising tour that benefits Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, two medically supervised overnight camps for seriously ill children. Riders and sponsors are still being sought for the 150-mile event, which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, August 8th and 9th. “These kids are the motivation behind every mile we bike and every dollar we raise,” says Elliot Zaks, who has participated in and helped organize Bike4Chai since its inception. “In 2010, 40 cyclists brought in $200,000 for the first Bike4Chai event. Last year, 90 riders raised $550,000. Already in 2012, 202 registered riders have nearly $550,000 in commitments. We are thrilled to 84 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE