By COLlive reporter
Chabad Youth Network of Ontario, Canada, has raised the bar at its 3rd Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction, surpassing expectations of both participants and behind-the scenes planners alike.
The combination of an elegant wine-tasting featuring rich and unique special-reserve wines, a wide array of high-quality auction items including exquisite jewelry, sports memorabilia, and original artwork, a lavish meal, and heart-warming stories, set against mellow dinner music enthralled everyone in attendance.
As prominent dignitaries, supporters and friends converged together at the Sephardic Kehila Centre in Thornhill, spirits were high and the effusive energy was palpable.
But of course, the major draw for the crowd was to demonstrate support for the vital work of CYN, co-directed by the dedicated Rabbi Shmuli and Chani Nachlas.
They also came and to pay tribute to the evening’s two Young Leadership Honourees, Daniel Kaplan and Ben Babins, both of whom have demonstrated exemplary service and initiative, and made a strong impact in the Jewish community by taking on leadership positions and spearheading programs and events as active and supportive members of CYN.
They will each be awarded with a free trip to Israel which will include a learning experience at the Mayanot Institute in Jerusalem.
The evening was highlighted by a moving video presentation, depicting CYN through the eyes of its Alumni:
Thereafter, the Young Leadership Honourees proceeded to the podium for the Awards Ceremony, where they each spoke passionately about their involvement with CYN, their affection for Rabbi Nachlas, his wife Chani and the CYN staff, and how they hope to take their positive experiences and education from CYN with them as they ponder a vision for their future.
As dessert was served, the crowd took the opportunity to mingle with friends, and place a final bid on their item of choice at the silent auction.
Finally, while gratefully acknowledging the evening’s success, Rabbi Shmuli emphasized that the greatest satisfaction, by far, will be experienced by the teens who stand to benefit from the classes and programs that Chabad Youth Network provides.
Look at what Toronto is today because of your foresight! The Rebbe is smiling!
You are bursting at the seams, and may you burst 10-fold more this upcoming season. Stand by Toronto Jewish Youth, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Go Shmuli Go
amazing energy and incredible ambiance!
Keep up the vital work you are doing. the gala looks beautiful. May you continue to be the driving force for bringing Yidishkeit into the lives Toronto’s Jewish youth.
Though we couldn’t make it to the diner, we were celebrating with you here.
Irvine CA
A master Piece – wow, watched it five times brilliant.
looked amazing 🙁 sorry we missed it … I agree with # 2 comment ” toronto is lucky to have these shluchim!”
Hardest working shluchim in metro TO!
much continued success in the north and the south of toronto!
It was a beautiful and inspiring evening! Shmuli and Chani, you do incredible work and I was so glad to take part in celebrating the accomplishments of CYN! Keep it up!!
chabad youth network is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we looooooooove you,
Cyn is amazing!!
toronto is lucky to have these shluchim!
it looks amazing, too bad wash there to see it :(!