Evening of Recognition
The Friendship Circle Honors Outstanding Teens
April 30, 2009
The Friendship Circle Honors Outstanding Teens
April 30, 2009
In a picturesque home in Highland Park, 76 extraordinary teens were honored for the work they do with The Stuart I Raskas Friendship Circle of Illinois.
The Friendship Circle is an international organization administered locally by Rabbi and Mrs. Zelik Moscowitz, under the umbrella of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois. The Friendship Circle services special needs children throughout Chicagoland. One of its most popular programs matches High School students with a special needs child whom they visit for play-dates weekly.
Sydney Brinsky, a student at Glenbrook North High School, visits Chase, a child with special needs, each
week. Sydney represented all the teen volunteers at the event at the podium: “Every family I visited and every program I attended taught me something new. This is why I decided to study Special Education in college. Volunteering at Friendship Circle taught me what true friendship is all about."
Sydney Brinsky, a student at Glenbrook North High School, visits Chase, a child with special needs, each
week. Sydney represented all the teen volunteers at the event at the podium: “Every family I visited and every program I attended taught me something new. This is why I decided to study Special Education in college. Volunteering at Friendship Circle taught me what true friendship is all about."“It is through The Friendship Circle” explains Rabbi Moscowitz, “that every human being is an entire world, hand-crafted to perfection, by G‑d Himself”.
Elana Bogoff, a special needs child, represented the beneficiary children; struggling to speak into the microphone she expressed her appreciation to the wonderful friends who visit her each week. “I made a lot of friends, we always help each other. Thank you Malkie, Rochel, Sara, and Thank you Friendship Circle.”
Shmuel and Sharon Goodman, benefactors of The Stuart I Raskas Friendship Circle, commented on the impact The
Friendship Circle has on their lives and the infinite nature of its kindness and giving. Mrs. Bassie Moscowitz, co-director, shared some Torah insights and described the heartfelt appreciation of a special needs child to her volunteer buddies.
Mrs. Jill Franks, mother of a special needs child serviced by The Friendship Circle, said about her son’s initial encounter with the program, “I could tell that Jordan wasn’t quite sure what to make of his first meet with his Friendship
Circle volunteers. My son Jordan has had nurses and therapists visit since he was sent home from the NICU at 7 weeks old, so having two cute, energetic teenagers in the house just for him was probably a little confusing. Now, Jordan looks forward to these visits all week.”
The Goodmans presented the Legion of Friendship Awards signed by Senator Richard J. Durbin, Congressman Mark S. Kirk, and Highland Park Mayor Michael D. Belsky to the volunteers.
A glamorous buffet dinner followed by the uproarious entertainment of the renowned mentalist Mr. Danny Orleans.
We want to thank all that came and all who made this event possible. Our hosts, Sharon and Bob Burack, Reception Committee members, Rabbi Baruch Epstein and the Friendship Circle staff. We extend our appreciation to Shallots Bistro Catering and Meyer Emanuel and to Photography by Yakov.
Mrs. Jill Franks, mother of a special needs child serviced by The Friendship Circle, said about her son’s initial encounter with the program, “I could tell that Jordan wasn’t quite sure what to make of his first meet with his Friendship
Circle volunteers. My son Jordan has had nurses and therapists visit since he was sent home from the NICU at 7 weeks old, so having two cute, energetic teenagers in the house just for him was probably a little confusing. Now, Jordan looks forward to these visits all week.”
The Goodmans presented the Legion of Friendship Awards signed by Senator Richard J. Durbin, Congressman Mark S. Kirk, and Highland Park Mayor Michael D. Belsky to the volunteers.
A glamorous buffet dinner followed by the uproarious entertainment of the renowned mentalist Mr. Danny Orleans.
We want to thank all that came and all who made this event possible. Our hosts, Sharon and Bob Burack, Reception Committee members, Rabbi Baruch Epstein and the Friendship Circle staff. We extend our appreciation to Shallots Bistro Catering and Meyer Emanuel and to Photography by Yakov.
The Stuart I Raskas Friendship Circle of Illinois brightens the lives of children with special needs and their families through their numerous programs, while teaching teens that "its cool to be kind".