Dinner Prizes Its Honorees

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.