LA Friendship Circle Celebrates 10

On Wednesday May 1, 2013 over four hundred supporters, parents and volunteers gathered at Nessah Synagogue in Beverly Hills to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles (FCLA). This organization runs innovative programs for Jewish children who have special needs with the help of teen volunteers.

After partaking of the delicious buffet, generously catered by Abba’s, viewing the enticing auction prizes, and having fun being photographed in front of the Grafitti Wall, everyone was ready for the exciting program, painstakingly planned by Gail Rollman, Director of Development at FCLA.

Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy, Executive Director of FCLA, excitedly shared the organization’s phenomenal growth over these past 10 years. He walked the crowd through the timeline reminiscing about the humble beginnings of FCLA. From a converted garage with a handful of volunteers and the first dinner attended by 60 people in the Rav-Noy’s backyard FCLA has blossomed into an organization of 1,000 volunteers, hailing from 58 schools, sharing hundreds of thousands of hours of love and friendship with numerous families who have children with special needs.

Mrs. Nettie Lerner, Chairman of the Board excitedly informed everyone that she had just received the great news from the architect that the permits for their new state of the art handicap accessible playground had been approved! We now look forward to the imminent groundbreaking and continued growth for the FCLA.

Chanie Lazaroff, mother of Tani and a beloved teacher at the FCLA Hebrew School gave a moving speech describing the highs and lows of raising a special son, the immense impact FCLA has made in the life of her family, and her delight in being part of the amazing Hebrew School team.

Samantha Simon, a senior at Milken Community High School was invited to the podium to receive her “Leader of Tomorrow” award. She so vividly described her life-altering experience as a FCLA volunteer and thanked her special friend for teaching her what life is really all about.

In the presence of an overflow crowd, the guests of honor, Dr. Zev and Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy, distinguished philanthropists and supporters of the FCLA were presented with their well deserved award.

Amidst thundering applause the Elspas Family accepted the “Family of the Year” award. Mrs. Rachel Elspas humbly pointed out that the more one gives the more one becomes. Inspired by her motto “Families that volunteer together stay together” she urged parents and their children to get involved as families and give their time and hearts to better themselves and their community.

This electrifying evening culminated with the distribution of Fellowship Awards to a select group of outstanding volunteers. In her trademark heartwarming speech, Program Director, Miriam Rav-Noy highlighted the 10 things she learned from the children in her 10 years at FCLA and that when we focus on the abilities, not the disabilities, there is no reason to cry.

For more information on how you can volunteer or learning how a child which special needs can benefit from the organization, please call Gail at 310.280.0955 or visit www.fcla.org or email [email protected]