By COLlive reporter
Photos by Shimmy Photography
Over 400 guests attended Friendship Circle of Los Angeles’ Garden Party on Wednesday, May 13, enjoying a cocktail hour that included a sushi buffet and decadent dessert bar followed by an inspirational ceremony celebrating a year of inclusion and giving back.
Held at the Nessah Synagogue, the event honored 370 volunteers from 71 schools across Los Angeles that dedicate their time to their “buddies” with special needs through Friendship Circle’s 18 programs.
Volunteers attend workshops, an orientation and receive ongoing support from the Friendship Circle, building strong relationships with their buddies and creating lasting friendships. This year was especially exciting with the introduction of the Let’s Play inclusion program.
Beth Freishtat, Program Officer of Jewish Education and Engagement at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles presented FCLA’s executive director, Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy a grant of $35,000 to the Friendship Circle Volunteer Club.
Freishtat remarked that this was “to support their work providing Jewish teens with a valuable experience of Judaism-in-action as they help members of the special needs community.”
Valerie Lopez, a senior at Renaissance Arts Academy that will be attending USC in the fall was awarded The Spirit of Friendship Award for her five-year devotion and commitment to the organization and her buddy, Wendy.
In her acceptance speech, she explains, “Not only have I learned patience and perseverance with these amazing children, but I have also learned the story of Passover and the traditions of Shabbat.”
Specifically, Valerie says that her flourishing friendship with Wendy inspired her to advocate for the special needs community and also developed her desire to live a Jewish life as she plans to undergo a conversion at the appropriate time.
Levi Isaac, who will be joining the IDF in the fall was awarded the Hineni Award for his relentless determination and pioneering success in learning how to effectively work with the kids at Friendship Circle. During his acceptance speech, Isaac shares two of the biggest lessons he has learned from his work with kids like Steven and Abie.
Firstly, “Everyone has abilities, some of us express them in different ways.” Secondly, “The only disability in life is the inability to recognize other people’s capabilities.” He further expresses how Friendship Circle has enabled him to find more meaning and purpose in his life while opening his eyes to the importance of giving back to the community.
Keynote speaker Tikvah Juni, a renowned inclusion advocate, gave an incredibly moving speech about her personal challenges and triumphs of living life with Down Syndrome.
“I am sharing my life story with you because I hope that my experience will motivate you to make the rest of the world a more welcoming place,” she said and concluded with a poignant message of getting rid of prejudice and fear and the importance of creating a more inclusive community.
Guests also enjoyed a Fellowship Award Ceremony where 39 students received the prestigious Fellowship Award for their extraordinary commitment to volunteering and enhancing their knowledge in the field of special education.
Awards were presented by David Suissa, President of Tribe Media Corp/Jewish Journal and Miriam Maya, Director of Caring for Jews in Need, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
Another highlight of the evening was a video profiling volunteers and the impact Friendship Circle has had on their High School years titled, “Friendship Comes Full Circle.”
Miriam Rav-Noy, Program Director of the Friendship Circle, concluded the evening with a message dedicated to the volunteers and staff. “All you give to Friendship Circle is seen in the joy of our children’s faces. Thank you for your dedication and commitment and working every day to ensure a more inclusive world for our kids.”
If you don’t have the 15 minutes to watch this video, you have no brains, but if you do watch this video and it didn’t change you forever, you have no heart.
The Rav-Noys are incredible people who’ve spearheaded this amazing organization in LA which is benefitting many Jewish children who attend public schools. Continued Hatzalah!
go jets boys keep up the great work woohoo
And to Tikvah Juni, your speech was breathtaking, your message so powerful!
Yasher kochacha, Tikvah. You are the embodiment, of your name!
Penina Metal
They are AMAZING!
What an inspiration you are. I hope you continue to succeed and spread your amazing life and message. I have truly taken your message to heart.
was life changing! THANK YOU!!!
Mushky Bongart great job we are so proud of u đŸ™‚
If you’re reading this, your speech was phenomenal. If only the world would understand how much we could learn from such amazing and powerful people such as yourself. You are really a star. You are helping make changes in this world!! I’m sure that Moshiach would have been here a long time ago if everyone was inclusive.
Thank you for bringing this most important subject to the public!!
Sholom Ber we are so proud of you